Dual catalyst system for producing LLDPE copolymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution and improved processability

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers generally characterized by a Mw ranging from 70,000 to 200,000 g/mol, a ratio of Mz/Mw ranging from 1.8 to 20, an 1B parameter ranging from 0.92 to 1.05, and an ATREF profile characterized by one large peak. These polymers have the dart impact, tear strength, and optical properties of a metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE, but with improved processability, melt strength, and bubble stability, and can be used in blown film and other end-use applications.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/345,586, filed on Nov. 8, 2016, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,000,594, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Polyolefins such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) homopolymer andlinear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) copolymer can be produced usingvarious combinations of catalyst systems and polymerization processes.Ziegler-Natta and chromium-based catalyst systems can, for example,produce ethylene polymers having good extrusion processability andpolymer melt strength and bubble stability in blown film applications,typically due to their broad molecular weight distribution (MWD).Metallocene based catalyst systems can, for example, produce ethylenepolymer having good impact strength, tear resistance, and opticalproperties, but often at the expense of poor extrusion processability,melt strength, and bubble stability.

In some end-uses, such as blown film applications, it can be beneficialto have the properties of a metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE copolymer, butwith improved processability, melt strength, and bubble stability.Accordingly, it is to these ends that the present invention is generallydirected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify required oressential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summaryintended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention generally relates to ethylene polymers (e.g.,comprising an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer) characterized by a Mw in arange from about 70,000 to about 200,000 g/mol and a ratio of Mz/Mw in arange from about 1.8 to about 20. The ethylene polymer can have an D3parameter in a range from about 0.92 to about 1.05. Additionally oralternatively, the ethylene polymer can have an ATREF profilecharacterized by a peak ATREF temperature (temperature of the highestpeak on the ATREF curve) in a range from about 68 to about 78° C., orfrom about 70 to about 77° C., with no other significant peaks on theATREF curve. Additionally or alternatively, the ethylene polymer (e.g.,comprising an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer) can be characterized by fromabout 0.05 to about 5 wt. % (or from about 0.1 to about 3 wt. %) of thepolymer eluted below a temperature of 40° C. in an ATREF test, by fromabout 20 to about 40 wt. % (or from about 25 to about 38 wt. %) of thepolymer eluted between 76 and 86° C. in an ATREF test, by from about 7to about 20 wt. % (or from about 9 to about 18 wt. %) of the polymereluted above a temperature of 86° C. in an ATREF test, and the remainderof the polymer (to reach 100 wt. %) eluted between 40 and 76° C. in anATREF test.

These polymers, in further aspects, can be characterized by a Mw in arange from about 80,000 to about 180,000 g/mol (or from about 90,000 toabout 150,000 g/mol), and/or a ratio of Mz/Mw in a range from about 1.8to about 8 (or from about 2 to about 10), and/or an D3 parameter in arange from about 0.94 to about 1.04 (or from about 0.95 to about 1.05),and/or a melt index (MI) in a range from about 0.2 to about 10 g/10 min(or from about 0.5 to about 2.5 g/10 min), and/or a density in a rangefrom about 0.90 to about 0.93 g/cm³ (or from about 0.91 to about 0.925g/cm³), and/or a Mn in a range from about 5,000 to about 65,000 g/mol(or from about 30,000 to about 55,000 g/mol), and/or a Mz in a rangefrom about 150,000 to about 1,500,000 g/mol (or from about 200,000 toabout 900,000 g/mol), and/or a ratio of Mw/Mn in a range from about 2 toabout 9 (or from about 2.4 to about 4), and/or a CY-a parameter in arange from about 0.05 to about 0.5 (or from about 0.17 to about 0.45),and/or a zero-shear viscosity in a range from about 3000 to about100,000 Pa-sec (or from about 4000 to about 25,000 Pa-sec).

These ethylene polymers can be used to produce various articles ofmanufacture, such as films (e.g., blown films), sheets, pipes,geomembranes, and molded products.

Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed descriptionprovide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoingsummary and the following detailed description should not be consideredto be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided inaddition to those set forth herein. For example, certain aspects andembodiments may be directed to various feature combinations andsub-combinations described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 presents a plot of the molecular weight distributions of thepolymers of Examples 1-3 and 9.

FIG. 2 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example 4.

FIG. 3 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example 5.

FIG. 4 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example 6.

FIG. 5 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example 7.

FIG. 6 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example 8.

FIG. 7 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example 9.

FIG. 8 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example10.

FIG. 9 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example11.

FIG. 10 presents a plot of the ATREF profile of the polymer of Example12.

FIG. 11 presents a plot of force (N) versus the drawdown speed (mm/sec)for the polymers of Examples 6 and 8-9.

DEFINITIONS

To define more clearly the terms used herein, the following definitionsare provided. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions areapplicable to this disclosure. If a term is used in this disclosure butis not specifically defined herein, the definition from the IUPACCompendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd Ed (1997), can be applied, aslong as that definition does not conflict with any other disclosure ordefinition applied herein, or render indefinite or non-enabled any claimto which that definition is applied. To the extent that any definitionor usage provided by any document incorporated herein by referenceconflicts with the definition or usage provided herein, the definitionor usage provided herein controls.

Herein, features of the subject matter are described such that, withinparticular aspects, a combination of different features can beenvisioned. For each and every aspect and/or feature disclosed herein,all combinations that do not detrimentally affect the designs,compositions, processes, and/or methods described herein arecontemplated with or without explicit description of the particularcombination. Additionally, unless explicitly recited otherwise, anyaspect and/or feature disclosed herein can be combined to describeinventive features consistent with the present disclosure.

While compositions and methods are described herein in terms of“comprising” various components or steps, the compositions and methodscan also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various componentsor steps, unless stated otherwise. For example, a catalyst compositionconsistent with aspects of the present invention can comprise;alternatively, can consist essentially of; or alternatively, can consistof; catalyst component I, catalyst component II, an activator, and aco-catalyst.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” etc., are intended to include pluralalternatives, e.g., at least one, unless otherwise specified. Forinstance, the disclosure of “an activator-support” or “a metallocenecompound” is meant to encompass one, or mixtures or combinations of morethan one, activator-support or metallocene compound, respectively,unless otherwise specified.

Generally, groups of elements are indicated using the numbering schemeindicated in the version of the periodic table of elements published inChemical and Engineering News, 63(5), 27, 1985. In some instances, agroup of elements can be indicated using a common name assigned to thegroup; for example, alkali metals for Group 1 elements, alkaline earthmetals for Group 2 elements, transition metals for Group 3-12 elements,and halogens or halides for Group 17 elements.

For any particular compound disclosed herein, the general structure orname presented is also intended to encompass all structural isomers,conformational isomers, and stereoisomers that can arise from aparticular set of substituents, unless indicated otherwise. Thus, ageneral reference to a compound includes all structural isomers unlessexplicitly indicated otherwise; e.g., a general reference to pentaneincludes n-pentane, 2-methyl-butane, and 2,2-dimethylpropane, while ageneral reference to a butyl group includes an n-butyl group, asec-butyl group, an iso-butyl group, and a tert-butyl group.Additionally, the reference to a general structure or name encompassesall enantiomers, diastereomers, and other optical isomers whether inenantiomeric or racemic forms, as well as mixtures of stereoisomers, asthe context permits or requires. For any particular formula or name thatis presented, any general formula or name presented also encompasses allconformational isomers, regioisomers, and stereoisomers that can arisefrom a particular set of substituents.

The term “substituted” when used to describe a group, for example, whenreferring to a substituted analog of a particular group, is intended todescribe any non-hydrogen moiety that formally replaces a hydrogen inthat group, and is intended to be non-limiting. A group or groups canalso be referred to herein as “unsubstituted” or by equivalent termssuch as “non-substituted,” which refers to the original group in which anon-hydrogen moiety does not replace a hydrogen within that group.Unless otherwise specified, “substituted” is intended to be non-limitingand include inorganic substituents or organic substituents as understoodby one of ordinary skill in the art.

The term “hydrocarbon” whenever used in this specification and claimsrefers to a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen. Otheridentifiers can be utilized to indicate the presence of particulargroups in the hydrocarbon (e.g., halogenated hydrocarbon indicates thepresence of one or more halogen atoms replacing an equivalent number ofhydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon). The term “hydrocarbyl group” is usedherein in accordance with the definition specified by IUPAC: a univalentgroup formed by removing a hydrogen atom from a hydrocarbon (that is, agroup containing only carbon and hydrogen). Non-limiting examples ofhydrocarbyl groups include alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, and aralkyl groups,amongst other groups.

The term “polymer” is used herein generically to include olefinhomopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, and the like, as well as alloysand blends thereof. The term “polymer” also includes impact, block,graft, random, and alternating copolymers. A copolymer is derived froman olefin monomer and one olefin comonomer, while a terpolymer isderived from an olefin monomer and two olefin comonomers. Accordingly,“polymer” encompasses copolymers and terpolymers derived from any olefinmonomer and comonomer(s) disclosed herein. Similarly, the scope of theterm “polymerization” includes homopolymerization, copolymerization, andterpolymerization. Therefore, an ethylene polymer would include ethylenehomopolymers, ethylene copolymers (e.g., ethylene/α-olefin copolymers),ethylene terpolymers, and the like, as well as blends or mixturesthereof. Thus, an ethylene polymer encompasses polymers often referredto in the art as LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and HDPE (highdensity polyethylene). As an example, an olefin copolymer, such as anethylene copolymer, can be derived from ethylene and a comonomer, suchas 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. If the monomer and comonomer wereethylene and 1-hexene, respectively, the resulting polymer could becategorized an as ethylene/1-hexene copolymer. The term “polymer” alsoincludes all possible geometrical configurations, unless statedotherwise, and such configurations can include isotactic, syndiotactic,and random symmetries. Moreover, unless stated otherwise, the term“polymer” also is meant to include all molecular weight polymers, and isinclusive of lower molecular weight polymers or oligomers.

The term “co-catalyst” is used generally herein to refer to compoundssuch as aluminoxane compounds, organoboron or organoborate compounds,ionizing ionic compounds, organoaluminum compounds, organozinccompounds, organomagnesium compounds, organolithium compounds, and thelike, that can constitute one component of a catalyst composition, whenused, for example, in addition to an activator-support. The term“co-catalyst” is used regardless of the actual function of the compoundor any chemical mechanism by which the compound may operate.

The terms “chemically-treated solid oxide,” “treated solid oxidecompound,” and the like, are used herein to indicate a solid, inorganicoxide of relatively high porosity, which can exhibit Lewis acidic orBrønsted acidic behavior, and which has been treated with anelectron-withdrawing component, typically an anion, and which iscalcined. The electron-withdrawing component is typically anelectron-withdrawing anion source compound. Thus, the chemically-treatedsolid oxide can comprise a calcined contact product of at least onesolid oxide with at least one electron-withdrawing anion sourcecompound. Typically, the chemically-treated solid oxide comprises atleast one acidic solid oxide compound. The “activator-support” of thepresent invention can be a chemically-treated solid oxide. The terms“support” and “activator-support” are not used to imply these componentsare inert, and such components should not be construed as an inertcomponent of the catalyst composition. The term “activator,” as usedherein, refers generally to a substance that is capable of converting ametallocene component into a catalyst that can polymerize olefins, orconverting a contact product of a metallocene component and a componentthat provides an activatable ligand (e.g., an alkyl, a hydride) to themetallocene, when the metallocene compound does not already comprisesuch a ligand, into a catalyst that can polymerize olefins. This term isused regardless of the actual activating mechanism. Illustrativeactivators include activator-supports, aluminoxanes, organoboron ororganoborate compounds, ionizing ionic compounds, and the like.Aluminoxanes, organoboron or organoborate compounds, and ionizing ioniccompounds generally are referred to as activators if used in a catalystcomposition in which an activator-support is not present. If thecatalyst composition contains an activator-support, then thealuminoxane, organoboron or organoborate, and ionizing ionic materialsare typically referred to as co-catalysts.

The term “metallocene” as used herein describes compounds comprising atleast one η³ to η⁵-cycloalkadienyl-type moiety, wherein η³ toη⁵-cycloalkadienyl moieties include cyclopentadienyl ligands, indenylligands, fluorenyl ligands, and the like, including partially saturatedor substituted derivatives or analogs of any of these. Possiblesubstituents on these ligands may include H, therefore this inventioncomprises ligands such as tetrahydroindenyl, tetrahydrofluorenyl,octahydrofluorenyl, partially saturated indenyl, partially saturatedfluorenyl, substituted partially saturated indenyl, substitutedpartially saturated fluorenyl, and the like. In some contexts, themetallocene is referred to simply as the “catalyst,” in much the sameway the term “co-catalyst” is used herein to refer to, for example, anorganoaluminum compound.

The terms “catalyst composition,” “catalyst mixture,” “catalyst system,”and the like, do not depend upon the actual product or compositionresulting from the contact or reaction of the initial components of thedisclosed or claimed catalyst composition/mixture/system, the nature ofthe active catalytic site, or the fate of the co-catalyst, themetallocene compound, the transition metal imine phenolate complex, orthe activator (e.g., activator-support), after combining thesecomponents. Therefore, the terms “catalyst composition,” “catalystmixture,” “catalyst system,” and the like, encompass the initialstarting components of the composition, as well as whatever product(s)may result from contacting these initial starting components, and thisis inclusive of both heterogeneous and homogenous catalyst systems orcompositions. The terms “catalyst composition,” “catalyst mixture,”“catalyst system,” and the like, may be used interchangeably throughoutthis disclosure.

The term “contact product” is used herein to describe compositionswherein the components are contacted together in any order, in anymanner, and for any length of time, unless otherwise specified. Forexample, the components can be contacted by blending or mixing. Further,contacting of any component can occur in the presence or absence of anyother component of the compositions described herein. Combiningadditional materials or components can be done by any suitable method.Further, the term “contact product” includes mixtures, blends,solutions, slurries, reaction products, and the like, or combinationsthereof. Although “contact product” can include reaction products, it isnot required for the respective components to react with one another.

Similarly, the term “contacting” is used herein to refer to materialswhich can be blended, mixed, slurried, dissolved, reacted, treated, orotherwise contacted in some other manner.

Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing of theinvention, the typical methods, devices, and materials are hereindescribed.

All publications and patents mentioned herein are incorporated herein byreference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, theconstructs and methodologies that are described in the publications,which might be used in connection with the presently describedinvention.

Several types of ranges are disclosed in the present invention. When arange of any type is disclosed or claimed, the intent is to disclose orclaim individually each possible number that such a range couldreasonably encompass, including end points of the range as well as anysub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges encompassed therein. Forexample, when a chemical moiety having a certain number of carbon atomsis disclosed or claimed, the intent is to disclose or claim individuallyevery possible number that such a range could encompass, consistent withthe disclosure herein. For example, the disclosure that a moiety is a C₁to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group, or in alternative language, a hydrocarbylgroup having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, as used herein, refers to amoiety that can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, or 18 carbon atoms, as well as any range between these twonumbers (for example, a C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl group), and also includingany combination of ranges between these two numbers (for example, a C₂to C₄ and a C₁₂ to C₁₆ hydrocarbyl group).

Similarly, another representative example follows for the ratio of Mz/Mwof an ethylene polymer consistent with aspects of this invention. By adisclosure that the ratio of Mz/Mw can be in a range from about 1.8 toabout 20, the intent is to recite that the ratio of Mz/Mw can be anyratio in the range and, for example, can be equal to about 1.8, about 2,about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10,about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17,about 18, about 19, or about 20. Additionally, the ratio of Mz/Mw can bewithin any range from about 1.8 to about 20 (for example, from about 2to about 10), and this also includes any combination of ranges betweenabout 1.8 and about 20 (for example, the Mz/Mw ratio can be in a rangefrom about 1.9 to about 7, or from about 12 to about 18). Likewise, allother ranges disclosed herein should be interpreted in a manner similarto these examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to ethylene-based polymershaving excellent strength and toughness properties, but with improvedprocessability and melt strength. Articles produced from theseethylene-based polymers, such as blown films, can have excellent dartimpact, tear strength, and optical properties, but can be processed moreeasily and with better bubble stability than traditionalmetallocene-catalyzed LLDPE resins.

Ethylene Polymers

Generally, the polymers disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers, orethylene polymers, encompassing homopolymers of ethylene as well ascopolymers, terpolymers, etc., of ethylene and at least one olefincomonomer. Comonomers that can be copolymerized with ethylene often canhave from 3 to 20 carbon atoms in their molecular chain. For example,typical comonomers can include, but are not limited to, propylene,1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, and the like, orcombinations thereof. In an aspect, the olefin comonomer can comprise aC₃-C₁₈ olefin; alternatively, the olefin comonomer can comprise a C₃-C₁₀olefin; alternatively, the olefin comonomer can comprise a C₄-C₁₀olefin; alternatively, the olefin comonomer can comprise a C₃-C₁₀α-olefin; alternatively, the olefin comonomer can comprise a C₄-C₁₀α-olefin; alternatively, the olefin comonomer can comprise 1-butene,1-hexene, 1-octene, or any combination thereof; or alternatively, thecomonomer can comprise 1-hexene. Typically, the amount of the comonomer,based on the total weight of monomer (ethylene) and comonomer, can be ina range from about 0.01 to about 20 wt. %, from about 0.1 to about 10wt. %, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt. %, from about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%, or from about 1 to about 15 wt. %.

In one aspect, the ethylene polymer of this invention can comprise anethylene/α-olefin copolymer, while in another aspect, the ethylenepolymer can comprise an ethylene homopolymer, and in yet another aspect,the ethylene polymer of this invention can comprise an ethylene/α-olefincopolymer and an ethylene homopolymer. For example, the ethylene polymercan comprise an ethylene/l-butene copolymer, an ethylene/l-hexenecopolymer, an ethylene/l-octene copolymer, an ethylene homopolymer, orany combination thereof; alternatively, an ethylene/l-butene copolymer,an ethylene/l-hexene copolymer, an ethylene/l-octene copolymer, or anycombination thereof; or alternatively, an ethylene/l-hexene copolymer.

An illustrative and non-limiting example of an ethylene polymer (e.g.,comprising an ethylene copolymer) of the present invention can have a Mwin a range from about 70,000 to about 200,000 g/mol, a ratio of Mz/Mw ina range from about 1.8 to about 20, and an D3 parameter in a range fromabout 0.92 to about 1.05. Another illustrative and non-limiting exampleof an ethylene polymer of the present invention can have a Mw in a rangefrom about 70,000 to about 200,000 g/mol, a ratio of Mz/Mw in a rangefrom about 1.8 to about 20, and an ATREF profile characterized by a peakATREF temperature (temperature of the highest peak on the ATREF curve)in a range from about 68 to about 78° C. (or from about 70 to about 77°C., or from about 72 to about 75° C.), with no other significant peakson the ATREF curve. These illustrative and non-limiting examples ofethylene polymers consistent with the present invention also can haveany of the polymer properties listed below and in any combination,unless indicated otherwise.

The densities of ethylene-based polymers disclosed herein often are lessthan or equal to about 0.935 g/cm³, for example, less than or equal toabout 0.93, or less than or equal to about 0.925 g/cm³. Yet, inparticular aspects, the density can be in a range from about 0.89 toabout 0.935 g/cm³, from about 0.90 to about 0.93 g/cm³, from about 0.905to about 0.925 g/cm³, from about 0.91 to about 0.925 g/cm³, from about0.912 to about 0.922 g/cm³, or from about 0.914 to about 0.918 g/cm³.

While not being limited thereto, ethylene polymers described hereinoften can have a melt index (MI) in a range from about 0.2 to about 10g/10 min, from about 0.3 to about 8 g/10 min, or from about 0.4 to about6 g/10 min. In further aspects, ethylene polymers described herein canhave a melt index (MI) in a range from about 0.5 to about 5 g/10 min,from about 0.4 to about 4 g/10 min, from about 0.5 to about 2.5 g/10min, from about 0.7 to about 2.5 g/10 min, or from about 0.8 to about 2g/10 min.

In an aspect, ethylene polymers described herein can have a ratio ofMw/Mn, or the polydispersity index, in a range from about 2 to about 9,from about 2 to about 6, from about 2 to about 4.5, or from about 2 toabout 4. In another aspect, ethylene polymers described herein can havea Mw/Mn in a range from about 2.3 to about 6, from about 2.3 to about 4,from about 2.3 to about 3.7, from about 2.4 to about 5, from about 2.4to about 4, from about 2.4 to about 3.5, or from about 2.6 to about 3.4.

In an aspect, ethylene polymers described herein can have a ratio ofMz/Mw in a range from about 1.8 to about 20, from about 1.8 to about 10,from about 1.9 to about 15, or from about 1.9 to about 8. In anotheraspect, ethylene polymers described herein can have a Mz/Mw in a rangefrom about 1.9 to about 7, from about 1.9 to about 6.4, from about 1.8to about 6, from about 2 to about 15, from about 2 to about 10, fromabout 2 to about 8, or from about 2.2 to about 7.

In an aspect, ethylene polymers described herein can have aweight-average molecular weight (Mw) in a range from about 70,000 toabout 200,000 g/mol, from about 75,000 to about 175,000 g/mol, fromabout 80,000 to about 180,000 g/mol, or from about 80,000 to about160,000 g/mol. In another aspect, ethylene polymers described herein canhave a Mw in a range from about 80,000 to about 150,000 g/mol, fromabout 90,000 to about 190,000 g/mol, from about 90,000 to about 150,000g/mol, or from about 107,000 to about 140,000 g/mol.

In an aspect, ethylene polymers described herein can have anumber-average molecular weight (Mn) in a range from about 5,000 toabout 75,000 g/mol, from about 5,000 to about 65,000 g/mol, or fromabout 10,000 to about 50,000 g/mol. In another aspect, ethylene polymersdescribed herein can have a Mn in a range from about 20,000 to about65,000 g/mol, from about 25,000 to about 60,000 g/mol, from about 30,000to about 55,000 g/mol, from about 35,000 to about 45,000 g/mol, or fromabout 36,000 to about 44,000 g/mol.

In an aspect, ethylene polymers described herein can have a z-averagemolecular weight (Mz) in a range from about 150,000 to about 1,500,000,from about 150,000 to about 1,000,000 g/mol, or from about 150,000 toabout 750,000 g/mol. In another aspect, ethylene polymers describedherein can have a Mz in a range from about 175,000 to about 1,000,000g/mol, from about 200,000 to about 1,200,000 g/mol, from about 200,000to about 900,000, from about 200,000 to about 600,000 g/mol, or fromabout 210,000 to about 890,000 g/mol.

In an aspect, ethylene polymers described herein can have a peakmolecular weight (Mp) in a range from about 50,000 to about 200,000g/mol, from about 60,000 to about 200,000 g/mol, from about 60,000 toabout 160,000 g/mol, or from about 65,000 to about 160,000 g/mol. Inanother aspect, ethylene polymers described herein can have a Mp in arange from about 65,000 to about 150,000 g/mol, from about 70,000 toabout 120,000 g/mol, from about 80,000 to about 120,000 g/mol, or fromabout 80,000 to about 100,000 g/mol.

In accordance with certain aspects of this invention, the IB parameterfrom a molecular weight distribution curve (plot of dW/d(Log M) vs. LogM; normalized to an area equal to 1) can be an important characteristicof the ethylene polymers described herein. The D3 parameter is oftenreferred to as the integral breadth, and is defined as 1/[dW/d(Log M)],and is useful to describe a polymer having a relatively narrow molecularweight distribution with a small fraction of both high molecular weightand low molecular weight tails. Generally, the IB parameter of theethylene polymers consistent with this invention can be in a range fromabout 0.92 to about 1.05, from about 0.95 to about 1.02, or from about0.96 to about 1. In one aspect, the ethylene polymer can becharacterized by an D3 parameter in a range from about 0.94 to about1.04, and in another aspect, from about 0.94 to about 1.03, and in yetanother aspect, from about 0.95 to about 1.05, and in still anotheraspect, from about 0.96 to about 1.02.

In accordance with certain aspects of this invention, the ethylenepolymers described herein can have a unique ATREF profile. For instance,the ethylene polymer can have a peak ATREF temperature (temperature ofthe highest peak on the ATREF curve) in a range from about 68 to about78° C., from about 70 to about 77° C., or from about 72 to about 75° C.Moreover, there is only one significant peak on the ATREF curve; thereare no other peaks on the ATREF curve above a dW/dT of 2 in height (plotof dW/dT vs. T; normalized to an area equal to 1). Further, in someinstances, there are no other peaks on the ATREF curve above a dW/dT of2 in height that are present at a peak temperature of above 80° C., orabove 82° C. Additionally or alternatively, the ethylene polymer (e.g.,comprising an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer) can be characterized by fromabout 0.05 to about 5 wt. % (or from about 0.1 to about 3 wt. %, or fromabout 0.3 to about 1 wt. %) of the polymer eluted below a temperature of40° C. in an ATREF test, by from about 20 to about 40 wt. % (or fromabout 25 to about 38 wt. %, or from about 29 to about 35 wt. %) of thepolymer eluted between 76 and 86° C. in an ATREF test, by from about 7to about 20 wt. % (or from about 9 to about 18 wt. %, or from about 13to about 15 wt. %) of the polymer eluted above a temperature of 86° C.in an ATREF test, and the remainder of the polymer (to reach 100 wt. %)eluted between 40 and 76° C. in an ATREF test.

In some aspects, ethylene polymers described herein can have azero-shear viscosity at 190° C. in a range from about 1000 to about100,000 Pa-sec, from about 3000 to about 50,000 Pa-sec, from about 4000to about 25,000 Pa-sec, from about 4000 to about 18,000 Pa-sec, or fromabout 4900 to about 16,000 Pa-sec Additionally or alternatively, theseethylene polymers can have a CY-a parameter in a range from about 0.05to about 0.5, from about 0.15 to about 0.5, from about 0.17 to about0.45, from about 0.2 to about 0.43, or from about 0.15 to about 0.35.The zero-shear viscosity and the CY-a parameter are determined fromviscosity data measured at 190° C. and using the Carreau-Yasuda (CY)empirical model as described herein.

Generally, ethylene polymers consistent with certain aspects of theinvention can have a unimodal molecular weight distribution (asdetermined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or other suitableanalytical technique). In a unimodal molecular weight distribution,there is a single identifiable peak.

In an aspect, the ethylene polymer described herein can be a reactorproduct (e.g., a single reactor product), for example, not apost-reactor blend of two polymers, for instance, having differentmolecular weight characteristics. As one of skill in the art wouldreadily recognize, physical blends of two different polymer resins canbe made, but this necessitates additional processing and complexity notrequired for a reactor product.

Articles and Products

Articles of manufacture can be formed from, and/or can comprise, theethylene polymers of this invention and, accordingly, are encompassedherein. For example, articles which can comprise ethylene polymers ofthis invention can include, but are not limited to, an agriculturalfilm, an automobile part, a bottle, a container for chemicals, a drum, afiber or fabric, a food packaging film or container, a food servicearticle, a fuel tank, a geomembrane, a household container, a liner, amolded product, a medical device or material, an outdoor storageproduct, outdoor play equipment, a pipe, a sheet or tape, a toy, or atraffic barrier, and the like. Various processes can be employed to formthese articles. Non-limiting examples of these processes includeinjection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, film extrusion,sheet extrusion, profile extrusion, thermoforming, and the like.Additionally, additives and modifiers are often added to these polymersin order to provide beneficial polymer processing or end-use productattributes. Such processes and materials are described in ModernPlastics Encyclopedia, Mid-November 1995 Issue, Vol. 72, No. 12; andFilm Extrusion Manual—Process, Materials, Properties, TAPPI Press, 1992;the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. In some aspects of this invention, an article of manufacturecan comprise any of ethylene polymers described herein, and the articleof manufacture can be or can comprise a blown film.

In some aspects, the article produced from and/or comprising an ethylenepolymer of this invention is a film product. For instance, the film canbe a blown film or a cast film that is produced from and/or comprisesany of the ethylene polymers disclosed herein. Such films also cancontain one or more additives, non-limiting examples of which caninclude an antioxidant, an acid scavenger, an antiblock additive, a slipadditive, a colorant, a filler, a processing aid, a UV inhibitor, andthe like, as well as combinations thereof.

Also contemplated herein is a method for forming or preparing an articleof manufacture comprising any ethylene polymer disclosed herein. Forinstance, a method can comprise (i) contacting a catalyst compositionwith ethylene and an olefin comonomer under polymerization conditions ina polymerization reactor system to produce an ethylene polymer, whereinthe catalyst composition can comprise catalyst component I, catalystcomponent II, an activator (e.g., an activator-support comprising asolid oxide treated with an electron-withdrawing anion), and an optionalco-catalyst (e.g., an organoaluminum compound); and (ii) forming anarticle of manufacture comprising the ethylene polymer. The forming stepcan comprise blending, melt processing, extruding, molding, orthermoforming, and the like, including combinations thereof.

Also contemplated herein is a method for making a film (e.g., a blownfilm, a cast film, etc.) comprising any ethylene polymer disclosedherein. For instance, the method can comprise melt processing theethylene polymer through a die to form the film. Suitably, the die canbe configured based on the film to be produced, for example, an annularblown film die to produce a blown film, a slot or cast film die toproduce a cast film, and so forth. Moreover, any suitable means of meltprocessing can be employed, although extrusion typically can beutilized. As above, additives can be combined with the polymer in themelt processing step (extrusion step), such as antioxidants, acidscavengers, antiblock additives, slip additives, colorants, fillers,processing aids, UV inhibitors, and the like, as well as combinationsthereof.

Films disclosed herein, whether cast or blown, can be any thickness thatis suitable for the particular end-use application, and often, theaverage film thickness can be in a range from about 0.25 to about 250mils, or from about 0.5 to about 20 mils. For certain film applications,typical average thicknesses can be in a range from about 0.25 to about 8mils, from about 0.5 to about 8 mils, from about 0.8 to about 5 mils, orfrom about 0.7 to about 2 mils.

In an aspect and unexpectedly, the films disclosed herein (e.g., blownfilms) can have a high dart impact strength. Further, such films alsocan have relatively low haze and high shrink, as compared toconventional blown films of generally the same nominal density. Forinstance, a blown film consistent with aspects of this invention canhave a dart impact strength greater than or equal to about 300 g/mil. Insome aspects, the film can have a dart impact greater than or equal toabout 400 g/mil, greater than or equal to about 500 g/mil, greater thanor equal to about 750 g/mil, greater than or equal to about 1000 g/mil,greater than or equal to about 1200 g/mil, or greater than or equal toabout 1400 g/mil, and often can range up to about 1500-2000 g/mil ormore. For many film applications, the upper limit on dart impact is notdetermined, so long as the dart impact exceeds a particular minimalvalue or threshold.

In another aspect, blown films described herein can be characterized bythe MD (or TD) Elmendorf tear strength. Suitable ranges for the MD tearstrength can include, but are not limited to, from about 40 to about 500g/mil, from about 45 to about 300 g/mil, from about 50 to about 250g/mil, from about 70 to about 225 g/mil, or from about 80 to about 200g/mil. Suitable ranges for the TD tear strength can include, but are notlimited to, from about 350 to about 800 g/mil, from about 400 to about750 g/mil, from about 425 to about 675 g/mil, or from about 480 to about560 g/mil.

In an aspect, film products of this invention (e.g., nominal 1-milfilms) also can be characterized by relatively good optical properties,such as low haze, i.e., in the absence of any additives that mightimpact such measurements, for example, slip and antiblock additives.Representative blown films described herein can have a film haze of lessthan or equal to about 10%, less than or equal to about 8%, less than orequal to about 6%, or less than or equal to about 5%, or in a range fromabout 3 to about 5%, and often the film haze can range down to 1-3%.

In an aspect, nominal 1-mil blown films described herein can have a MDshrink at 300° F. (for 60 sec) in a range from about 65 to about 90%,from about 70 to about 90%, from about 70 to about 88%, or from about 74to about 84%. Likewise, suitable ranges for TD shrink of the 1-mil filmat 300° F. can include, but are not limited to, from about 2 to about30%, from about 2 to about 25%, from about 3 to about 22%, or from about5 to about 20%, and the like.

Beneficially, the ethylene polymers of this invention can result in filmproducts have excellent heat sealing characteristics, such as low sealinitiation temperatures. For example, nominal 1-mil films can have aseal initiation temperature (to achieve a minimum seal strength of 1.8lb/in) of less than or equal to about 120° C., such as in a range fromabout 108 to about 118° C., in a range from about 108 to about 118° C.,or in a range from about 112 to about 117° C.

Catalyst Systems and Polymerization Processes

In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, the olefinpolymer (e.g., the ethylene polymer) can be produced using a dualcatalyst system. In these aspects, catalyst component I can comprise anysuitable transition metal imine phenolate complex or any transitionmetal imine phenolate complex disclosed herein. Catalyst component IIcan comprise any suitable bridged metallocene compound or any bridgedmetallocene compound disclosed herein. The catalyst system can compriseany suitable activator or any activator disclosed herein, andoptionally, any suitable co-catalyst or any co-catalyst disclosedherein.

Catalyst component I can comprise, in particular aspects of thisinvention, a transition metal imine phenolate complex having formula(I):

Within formula (I), M, each X¹, each R, each R₂, R₃, and X⁰ areindependent elements of the transition metal imine phenolate complex.Accordingly, the transition metal imine phenolate complex having formula(I) can be described using any combination of M, X¹, R, R₂, R₃, and X°disclosed herein.

Unless otherwise specified, formula (I) above, any other structuralformulas disclosed herein, and any transition metal or metallocenecomplex, compound, or species disclosed herein are not designed to showstereochemistry or isomeric positioning of the different moieties (e.g.,these formulas are not intended to display cis or trans isomers, or R orS diastereoisomers), although such compounds are contemplated andencompassed by these formulas and/or structures.

In accordance with aspects of this invention, the metal in formula (I),M, can be Ti, Zr, or Hf. In one aspect, for instance, M can be Zr or Hf,while in another aspect, M can be Ti; alternatively, M can be Zr; oralternatively, M can be Hf.

Each X¹ in formula (I) independently can be a monoanionic ligand. Insome aspects, suitable monoanionic ligands can include, but are notlimited to, H (hydride), BH₄, a halide, a C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbyl group, aC₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarboxy group, a C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbylaminyl group, a C₁to C₃₆ hydrocarbylsilyl group, a C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group,—OBR¹², or —OSO₂R¹, wherein R¹ is a C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbyl group. It iscontemplated that each X¹ can be either the same or a differentmonoanionic ligand.

In one aspect, each X¹ independently can be H, BH₄, a halide (e.g., F,Cl, Br, etc.), a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarboxygroup, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbylaminyl group, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbylsilylgroup, or a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group. Alternatively, eachX¹ independently can be H, BH₄, a halide, OBR¹², or OSO₂R¹, wherein R¹is a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group. In another aspect, each X¹independently can be H, BH₄, a halide, a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbyl group, aC₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarboxy group, a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbylaminyl group, a C₁to C₁₂ hydrocarbylsilyl group, a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group,OBR¹², or OSO₂R¹, wherein R¹ is a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbyl group. Inanother aspect, each X¹ independently can be H, BH₄, a halide, a C₁ toC₁₀ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ hydrocarboxy group, a C₁ to C₁₀hydrocarbylaminyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ hydrocarbylsilyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group, OBR¹², or OSO₂R¹, wherein R¹ is a C₁ toC₁₀ hydrocarbyl group. In yet another aspect, each X¹ independently canbe H, BH₄, a halide, a C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁ to C₈hydrocarboxy group, a C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbylaminyl group, a C₁ to C₈hydrocarbylsilyl group, a C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group, OBR¹²,or OSO₂R¹, wherein R¹ is a C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl group. In still anotheraspect, each X¹ independently can be a halide or a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbylgroup. For example, each X¹ can be Cl.

In one aspect, each X¹ independently can be H, BH₄, a halide, or a C₁ toC₃₆ hydrocarbyl group, hydrocarboxy group, hydrocarbylaminyl group,hydrocarbylsilyl group, or hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group, while inanother aspect, each X¹ independently can be H, BH₄, or a C₁ to C₁₈hydrocarboxy group, hydrocarbylaminyl group, hydrocarbylsilyl group, orhydrocarbylaminylsilyl group. In yet another aspect, each X¹independently can be a halide; alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbylgroup; alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarboxy group; alternatively, aC₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbylaminyl group; alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₈hydrocarbylsilyl group; or alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₈hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group. In still another aspect, each X¹ can be H;alternatively, F; alternatively, Cl; alternatively, Br; alternatively,I; alternatively, BH₄; alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group;alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarboxy group; alternatively, a C₁ toC₁₈ hydrocarbylaminyl group; alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbylsilylgroup; or alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group.

Each X¹ independently can be, in some aspects, H, a halide, methyl,phenyl, benzyl, an alkoxy, an aryloxy, acetylacetonate, formate,acetate, stearate, oleate, benzoate, an alkylaminyl, a dialkylaminyl, atrihydrocarbylsilyl, or a hydrocarbylaminylsilyl; alternatively, H, ahalide, methyl, phenyl, or benzyl; alternatively, an alkoxy, an aryloxy,or acetylacetonate; alternatively, an alkylaminyl or a dialkylaminyl;alternatively, a trihydrocarbylsilyl or hydrocarbylaminylsilyl;alternatively, H or a halide; alternatively, methyl, phenyl, benzyl, analkoxy, an aryloxy, acetylacetonate, an alkylaminyl, or a dialkylaminyl;alternatively, H; alternatively, a halide; alternatively, methyl;alternatively, phenyl; alternatively, benzyl; alternatively, an alkoxy;alternatively, an aryloxy; alternatively, acetylacetonate;alternatively, an alkylaminyl; alternatively, a dialkylaminyl;alternatively, a trihydrocarbylsilyl; or alternatively, ahydrocarbylaminylsilyl. In these and other aspects, the alkoxy, aryloxy,alkylaminyl, dialkylaminyl, trihydrocarbylsilyl, andhydrocarbylaminylsilyl can be a C₁ to C₃₆, a C₁ to C₁₈, a C₁ to C₁₂, ora C₁ to C₈ alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylaminyl, dialkylaminyl,trihydrocarbylsilyl, and hydrocarbylaminylsilyl.

Moreover, each X¹ independently can be, in certain aspects, a halide ora C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group; alternatively, a halide or a C₁ to C₈hydrocarbyl group; alternatively, F, Cl, Br, I, methyl, benzyl, orphenyl; alternatively, Cl, methyl, benzyl, or phenyl; alternatively, aC₁ to C₁₈ alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylaminyl, dialkylaminyl,trihydrocarbylsilyl, or hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group; alternatively, aC₁ to C₈ alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylaminyl, dialkylaminyl,trihydrocarbylsilyl, or hydrocarbylaminylsilyl group; or alternatively,methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl,decyl, ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl,nonenyl, decenyl, phenyl, tolyl, benzyl, naphthyl, trimethylsilyl,triisopropylsilyl, triphenylsilyl, or allyldimethylsilyl.

In formula (I), each R, each R₂, and R₃ independently can be H, ahalide, a C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbyl group, a C₁ to C₃₆ halogenatedhydrocarbyl group, a C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarboxy group, or a C₁ to C₃₆hydrocarbylsilyl group. In some aspects, each R, each R₂, and R₃independently can be H; alternatively, a halide; alternatively, a C₁ toC₁₈ hydrocarbyl group; alternatively, a C₁ to C_(1s) halogenatedhydrocarbyl group; alternatively, a C₁ to C_(1s) hydrocarboxy group;alternatively, a C₁ to C₁₅ hydrocarbylsilyl group; alternatively, a C₁to C₁₂ hydrocarbyl group or a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbylsilyl group; oralternatively, a C₁ to C₈ alkyl group or a C₃ to C₈ alkenyl group. Thehalide, C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbyl group, C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarboxy group, andC₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbylsilyl group which can be a R, R₂, and R₃substituent in formula (I) can be any halide, C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbylgroup, C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarboxy group, and C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbylsilylgroup described herein (e.g., as pertaining to X¹ in formula (I)).Independently, each R, each R₂, and R₃ formula (I) can be, in certainaspects, a C₁ to C₃₆ halogenated hydrocarbyl group, where thehalogenated hydrocarbyl group indicates the presence of one or morehalogen atoms replacing an equivalent number of hydrogen atoms in thehydrocarbyl group. The halogenated hydrocarbyl group often can be ahalogenated alkyl group, a halogenated alkenyl group, a halogenatedcycloalkyl group, a halogenated aryl group, or a halogenated aralkylgroup. Representative and non-limiting halogenated hydrocarbyl groupsinclude pentafluorophenyl, trifluoromethyl (CF₃), and the like.

As a non-limiting example, each R, each R₂, and R₃ independently can beH, Cl, CF₃, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butylgroup (e.g., t-Bu), a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, anoctyl group, a nonyl group, a decyl group, an ethenyl group, a propenylgroup, a butenyl group, a pentenyl group, a hexenyl group, a heptenylgroup, an octenyl group, a nonenyl group, a decenyl group, a phenylgroup, a tolyl group (or other substituted aryl group), a benzyl group,a naphthyl group, a trimethylsilyl group, a triisopropylsilyl group, atriphenylsilyl group, or an allyldimethylsilyl group; alternatively, H;alternatively, Cl; alternatively, CF₃; alternatively, a methyl group;alternatively, an ethyl group; alternatively, a propyl group;alternatively, a butyl group; alternatively, a pentyl group;alternatively, a hexyl group; alternatively, a heptyl group;alternatively, an octyl group, a nonyl group; alternatively, a decylgroup; alternatively, an ethenyl group; alternatively, a propenyl group;alternatively, a butenyl group; alternatively, a pentenyl group;alternatively, a hexenyl group; alternatively, a heptenyl group;alternatively, an octenyl group; alternatively, a nonenyl group;alternatively, a decenyl group; alternatively, a phenyl group;alternatively, a tolyl group; alternatively, a benzyl group;alternatively, a naphthyl group; alternatively, a trimethylsilyl group;alternatively, a triisopropylsilyl group; alternatively, atriphenylsilyl group; or alternatively, an allyldimethylsilyl group.

X⁰ in formula (I) is an optional neutral ligand, and therefore, thetransition metal imine phenolate complex can have no neutral ligand, orthe transition metal imine phenolate complex can have one neutralligand, or the transition metal imine phenolate complex can have twoneutral ligands. In an aspect, suitable neutral ligands can includesigma-donor solvents that contain a coordinating atom (or atoms) thatcan coordinate to the transition metal atom in formula (I). Examples ofsuitable coordinating atoms in the neutral ligands can include, but arenot limited to, O, N, S, and P, or combinations of these atoms. Unlessotherwise specified, the neutral ligand can be unsubstituted or can besubstituted. Substituent groups are independently described herein andcan be utilized, without limitation to further describe a neutral ligandwhich can be utilized as X⁰ in formula (I). In some aspects, the neutralligand can be a Lewis base. When the two neutral ligands are present, itis contemplated that the two neutral ligands can be either the same ordifferent.

In an aspect, each neutral ligand independently can be an ether, anorganic carbonyl, a thioether, an amine, a nitrile, or a phosphine. Inanother aspect, each neutral ligand independently can be an acyclicether, a cyclic ether, an acyclic organic carbonyl, a cyclic organiccarbonyl, an acyclic thioether, a cyclic thioether, a nitrile, anacyclic amine, a cyclic amine, an acyclic phosphine, or a cyclicphosphine.

Suitable ethers which can be utilized as a neutral ligand, either aloneor in combination, can include, but are not limited to, dimethyl ether,diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, dibutyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, methylpropyl ether, methyl butyl ether, diphenyl ether, ditolyl ether,tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran,2,3-dihydrofuran, 2,5-dihydrofuran, furan, benzofuran, isobenzofuran,dibenzofuran, tetrahydropyran, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran,3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran, 2H-pyran, 4H-pyran, 1,3-dioxane, 1,4-dioxane,morpholine, and the like, including substituted derivatives thereof.

Suitable organic carbonyls included ketones, aldehydes, esters, andamides which can be utilized as a neutral ligand, either alone or incombination, and illustrative examples can include, but are not limitedto, acetone, acetophonone, benzophenone, N,N-dimethylformamide,N,N-dimethylacetamide, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and the like,including substituted derivatives thereof.

Suitable thioethers which can be utilized as a neutral ligand, eitheralone or in combination, can include, but are not limited to, dimethylthioether, diethyl thioether, dipropyl thioether, dibutyl thioether,methyl ethyl thioether, methyl propyl thioether, methyl butyl thioether,diphenyl thioether, ditolyl thioether, thiophene, benzothiophene,tetrahydrothiophene, thiane, and the like, including substitutedderivatives thereof.

Suitable nitriles which can be utilized as a neutral ligand, eitheralone or in combination, can include, but are not limited to,acetonitrile, propionitrile, butyronitrile, benzonitrile,4-methylbenzonitrile, and the like, including substituted derivativesthereof.

Suitable amines which can be utilized as a neutral ligand, either aloneor in combination, can include, but are not limited to, methyl amine,ethyl amine, propyl amine, butyl amine, dimethyl amine, diethyl amine,dipropyl amine, dibutyl amine, trimethyl amine, triethyl amine,tripropyl amine, tributyl amine, aniline, diphenylamine, triphenylamine,tolylamine, xylylamine, ditolylamine, pyridine, quinoline, pyrrole,indole, 2-methylpyridine, 3-methylpyridine, 4-methylpyridine,2,5-dimethylpyrrole, 2,5-diethylpyrrole, 2,5-dipropylpyrrole,2,5-dibutylpyrrole, 2,4-dimethylpyrrole, 2,4-diethylpyrrole,2,4-dipropylpyrrole, 2,4-dibutylpyrrole, 3,4-dimethylpyrrole,3,4-diethylpyrrole, 3,4-dipropylpyrrole, 3,4-dibutylpyrrole,2-methylpyrrole, 2-ethylpyrrole, 2-propylpyrrole, 2-butylpyrrole,3-methylpyrrole, 3-ethylpyrrole, 3-propylpyrrole, 3-butylpyrrole,3-ethyl-2,4-dimethylpyrrole, 2,3,4,5-tetramethylpyrrole,2,3,4,5-tetraethylpyrrole, and the like, including substitutedderivatives thereof. Suitable amines can be primary amines, secondaryamines, or tertiary amines.

Suitable phosphines which can be utilized as a neutral ligand, eitheralone or in combination, can include, but are not limited to,trimethylphosphine, triethylphosphine, tripropylphosphine,tributylphosphine, phenylphosphine, tolylphosphine, diphenylphosphine,ditolylphosphine, triphenylphosphine, tritolylphosphine,methyldiphenylphosphine, dimethylphenylphosphine,ethyldiphenylphosphine, diethylphenylphosphine, and the like, includingsubstituted derivatives thereof.

In some aspects, each neutral ligand independently can betetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, acetonitrile, pyridine, dimethyl amine,diethyl amine, trimethyl amine, trimethylphosphine, ortriphenylphosphine. In other aspects, each neutral ligand can betetrahydrofuran; alternatively, diethyl ether; alternatively,acetonitrile; alternatively, pyridine; alternatively, dimethyl amine;alternatively, diethyl amine; alternatively, trimethyl amine;alternatively, trimethylphosphine; or alternatively, triphenylphosphine.Suitable neutral ligands are not limited to the neutral ligandsdescribed herein; other suitable neutral ligands are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 8,618,229, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

Catalyst component I is not limited solely to transition metal iminephenolate complexes such as described herein. Other suitable transitionmetal imine phenolate complexes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.8,877,672, 8,895,679, 8,937,139, and 9,034,991, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

Moreover, catalyst component I can comprise a transition metalbis(phenolate) compound in other aspects of this invention, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,394,387, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Thus, the olefin polymers (e.g., the ethylenepolymers) disclosed herein can be produced using a dual catalyst systemthat comprises catalyst component I comprising any suitable transitionmetal bis(phenolate) compound, catalyst component II comprising anysuitable bridged metallocene compound, any suitable activator, andoptionally, any suitable co-catalyst.

Generally, catalyst component II can comprise a bridged metallocenecompound. In one aspect, for instance, catalyst component II cancomprise a bridged zirconium or hafnium based metallocene compound. Inanother aspect, catalyst component II can comprise a bridged zirconiumor hafnium based metallocene compound with an alkenyl substituent. Inyet another aspect, catalyst component II can comprise a bridgedzirconium or hafnium based metallocene compound with an alkenylsubstituent and a fluorenyl group. In still another aspect, catalystcomponent II can comprise a bridged zirconium or hafnium basedmetallocene compound with a cyclopentadienyl group and a fluorenylgroup, and with an alkenyl substituent on the bridging group and/or onthe cyclopentadienyl group.

In some aspects, catalyst component II can comprise a bridgedmetallocene compound having an alkyl and/or aryl group substituent onthe bridging group, while in other aspects, catalyst component II cancomprise a dinuclear bridged metallocene compound with an alkenyllinking group.

Catalyst component II can comprise, in particular aspects of thisinvention, a bridged metallocene compound having formula (II):

Within formula (II), M, Cp, R^(X), R^(Y), E, and each X are independentelements of the bridged metallocene compound. Accordingly, the bridgedmetallocene compound having formula (II) can be described using anycombination of M, Cp, R^(X), R^(Y), E, and X disclosed herein.

The selections for M and each X in formula (II) are the same as thosedescribed herein above for M and X¹ in formula (I), respectively. Informula (II), Cp can be a cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, or fluorenyl group.In one aspect, Cp can be a substituted cyclopentadienyl group, while inanother aspect, Cp can be a substituted indenyl group.

In some aspects, Cp can contain no additional substituents, e.g., otherthan bridging group E, discussed further herein below. In other aspects,Cp can be further substituted with one substituent, two substituents,three substituents, four substituents, and so forth. If present, eachsubstituent on Cp independently can be H, a halide, a C₁ to C₃₆hydrocarbyl group, a C₁ to C₃₆ halogenated hydrocarbyl group, a C₁ toC₃₆ hydrocarboxy group, or a C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbylsilyl group.Importantly, each substituent on Cp can be either the same or adifferent substituent group. Moreover, each substituent can be at anyposition on the respective cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, or fluorenyl ringstructure that conforms with the rules of chemical valence. In general,any substituent on Cp, independently, can be H or any halide, C₁ to C₃₆hydrocarbyl group, C₁ to C₃₆ halogenated hydrocarbyl group, C₁ to C₃₆hydrocarboxy group, or C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbylsilyl group described herein(e.g., as pertaining to R, R₂, and R₃ substituents in formula (I)).

In one aspect, for example, each substituent on Cp independently can bea C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbyl group or a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbylsilyl group. Inanother aspect, each substituent on Cp independently can be a C₁ to C₈alkyl group or a C₃ to C₈ alkenyl group. In yet another aspect, eachsubstituent on Cp independently can be H, Cl, CF₃, a methyl group, anethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexylgroup, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group, a decyl group, anethenyl group, a propenyl group, a butenyl group, a pentenyl group, ahexenyl group, a heptenyl group, an octenyl group, a nonenyl group, adecenyl group, a phenyl group, a tolyl group, a benzyl group, a naphthylgroup, a trimethylsilyl group, a triisopropylsilyl group, atriphenylsilyl group, or an allyldimethylsilyl group.

Similarly, R^(X) and R^(Y) in formula (II) independently can be H or anyhalide, C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbyl group, C₁ to C₃₆ halogenated hydrocarbylgroup, C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarboxy group, or C₁ to C₃₆ hydrocarbylsilyl groupdisclosed herein (e.g., as pertaining to R, R₂, and R₃ substituents informula (I)). In one aspect, for example, R^(X) and R^(Y) independentlycan be H or a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbyl group. In another aspect, R^(X) andR^(Y) independently can be a C₁ to C₁₀ hydrocarbyl group. In yet anotheraspect, R^(X) and R^(Y) independently can be H, Cl, CF₃, a methyl group,an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group (e.g., t-Bu), a pentylgroup, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group, adecyl group, an ethenyl group, a propenyl group, a butenyl group, apentenyl group, a hexenyl group, a heptenyl group, an octenyl group, anonenyl group, a decenyl group, a phenyl group, a tolyl group, a benzylgroup, a naphthyl group, a trimethylsilyl group, a triisopropylsilylgroup, a triphenylsilyl group, or an allyldimethylsilyl group, and thelike. In still another aspect, R^(X) and R^(Y) independently can be amethyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentylgroup, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group, adecyl group, an ethenyl group, a propenyl group, a butenyl group, apentenyl group, a hexenyl group, a heptenyl group, an octenyl group, anonenyl group, a decenyl group, a phenyl group, a tolyl group, or abenzyl group.

Bridging group E in formula (II) can be (i) a bridging group having theformula >E^(A)R^(A)R^(B), wherein E^(A) can be C, Si, or Ge, and R^(A)and R^(B) independently can be H or a C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group; (ii)a bridging group having the formula —CR^(C)R^(D)—CR^(E)R^(F)—, whereinR^(C), R^(D), R^(E), and R^(F) independently can be H or a C₁ to C₁₈hydrocarbyl group; or (iii) a bridging group having the formula—SiR^(G)R^(H)-E⁵R^(I)R^(J)—, wherein E⁵ can be C or Si, and R^(G),R^(H), R^(I), and R^(J) independently can be H or a C₁ to C₁₈hydrocarbyl group.

In the first option, the bridging group E can have the formula>E^(A)R^(A)R^(B), wherein E^(A) can be C, Si, or Ge, and R^(A) and R^(B)independently can be H or any C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group disclosedherein. In some aspects of this invention, R^(A) and R^(B) independentlycan be a C₁ to C₁₂ hydrocarbyl group; alternatively, R^(A) and R^(B)independently can be a C₁ to C₈ hydrocarbyl group; alternatively, R^(A)and R^(B) independently can be a phenyl group, a C₁ to C₈ alkyl group,or a C₃ to C₈ alkenyl group; alternatively, R^(A) and R^(B)independently can be a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, abutyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octylgroup, a nonyl group, a decyl group, an ethenyl group, a propenyl group,a butenyl group, a pentenyl group, a hexenyl group, a heptenyl group, anoctenyl group, a nonenyl group, a decenyl group, a phenyl group, acyclohexylphenyl group, a naphthyl group, a tolyl group, or a benzylgroup; or alternatively, R^(A) and R^(B) independently can be a methylgroup, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, ahexyl group, a propenyl group, a butenyl group, a pentenyl group, ahexenyl group, a phenyl group, or a benzyl group. In these and otheraspects, R^(A) and R^(B) can be either the same or different.

In the second option, the bridging group E can have the formula—CR^(C)R^(D)—CR^(E)R^(F)—, wherein R^(C), R^(D), R^(E), and R^(F)independently can be H or any C₁ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group disclosedherein. For instance, R^(C), R^(D), R^(E), and R^(F) independently canbe H or a methyl group.

In the third option, the bridging group E can have the formula—SiR^(G)R^(H)-E⁵R^(I)R^(J)—, wherein E⁵ can be C or Si, and R^(G),R^(H), R^(I), and R^(J) independently can be H or any C₁ to C₁₈hydrocarbyl group disclosed herein. For instance, E⁵ can be Si, andR^(G), R^(H), R^(I), and R^(J) independently can be H or a methyl group.

Illustrative and non-limiting examples of bridged metallocene compoundshaving formula (II) and/or suitable for use as catalyst component II caninclude the following compounds (Me=methyl, Ph=phenyl; t-Bu=tert-butyl):

and the like, as well as combinations thereof.

Catalyst component II is not limited solely to the bridged metallocenecompounds such as described above. Other suitable bridged metallocenecompounds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,026,494, 7,041,617,7,226,886, 7,312,283, 7,517,939, and 7,619,047, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

According to an aspect of this invention, the weight ratio of catalystcomponent I to catalyst component II in the catalyst composition can bein a range from about 10:1 to about 1:10, from about 8:1 to about 1:8,from about 5:1 to about 1:5, from about 4:1 to about 1:4, from about 3:1to about 1:3; from about 2:1 to about 1:2, from about 1.5:1 to about1:1.5, from about 1.25:1 to about 1:1.25, or from about 1.1:1 to about1:1.1.

Additionally, the dual catalyst system contains an activator. Forexample, the catalyst system can contain an activator-support, analuminoxane compound, an organoboron or organoborate compound, anionizing ionic compound, and the like, or any combination thereof. Thecatalyst system can contain one or more than one activator.

In one aspect, the catalyst system can comprise an aluminoxane compound,an organoboron or organoborate compound, an ionizing ionic compound, andthe like, or a combination thereof. Examples of such activators aredisclosed in, for instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,242,099, 4,794,096,4,808,561, 5,576,259, 5,807,938, 5,919,983, and 8,114,946, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. In another aspect, the catalyst system can comprise analuminoxane compound. In yet another aspect, the catalyst system cancomprise an organoboron or organoborate compound. In still anotheraspect, the catalyst system can comprise an ionizing ionic compound.

In other aspects, the catalyst system can comprise an activator-support,for example, an activator-support comprising a solid oxide treated withan electron-withdrawing anion. Examples of such materials are disclosedin, for instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,294,599, 7,601,665, 7,884,163,8,309,485, 8,623,973, and 9,023,959, which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. For instance, the activator-support cancomprise fluorided alumina, chlorided alumina, bromided alumina,sulfated alumina, fluorided silica-alumina, chlorided silica-alumina,bromided silica-alumina, sulfated silica-alumina, fluoridedsilica-zirconia, chlorided silica-zirconia, bromided silica-zirconia,sulfated silica-zirconia, fluorided silica-titania, fluorided-chloridedsilica-coated alumina, fluorided silica-coated alumina, sulfatedsilica-coated alumina, or phosphated silica-coated alumina, and thelike, as well as any combination thereof. In some aspects, theactivator-support can comprise a fluorided solid oxide and/or a sulfatedsolid oxide.

Various processes can be used to form activator-supports useful in thepresent invention. Methods of contacting the solid oxide with theelectron-withdrawing component, suitable electron withdrawing componentsand addition amounts, impregnation with metals or metal ions (e.g.,zinc, nickel, vanadium, titanium, silver, copper, gallium, tin,tungsten, molybdenum, zirconium, and the like, or combinations thereof),and various calcining procedures and conditions are disclosed in, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,107,230, 6,165,929, 6,294,494, 6,300,271,6,316,553, 6,355,594, 6,376,415, 6,388,017, 6,391,816, 6,395,666,6,524,987, 6,548,441, 6,548,442, 6,576,583, 6,613,712, 6,632,894,6,667,274, 6,750,302, 7,294,599, 7,601,665, 7,884,163, and 8,309,485,which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Othersuitable processes and procedures for preparing activator-supports(e.g., fluorided solid oxides, sulfated solid oxides, etc.) are wellknown to those of skill in the art.

The present invention can employ catalyst compositions containingcatalyst component I, catalyst component II, an activator (one or morethan one), and optionally, a co-catalyst. When present, the co-catalystcan include, but is not limited to, metal alkyl, or organometal,co-catalysts, with the metal encompassing boron, aluminum, and the like.Optionally, the catalyst systems provided herein can comprise aco-catalyst, or a combination of co-catalysts. For instance, alkyl boronand/or alkyl aluminum compounds often can be used as co-catalysts insuch catalyst systems. Representative boron compounds can include, butare not limited to, tri-n-butyl borane, tripropylborane, triethylborane,and the like, and this include combinations of two or more of thesematerials. While not being limited thereto, representative aluminumcompounds (e.g., organoaluminum compounds) can includetrimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, tri-n-propylaluminum,tri-n-butylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, tri-n-hexylaluminum,tri-n-octylaluminum, diisobutylaluminum hydride, diethylaluminumethoxide, diethylaluminum chloride, and the like, as well as anycombination thereof. Accordingly, in an aspect of this invention, thedual catalyst composition can comprise catalyst component I, catalystcomponent II, an activator-support, and an organoaluminum compound.

In another aspect of the present invention, a catalyst composition isprovided which comprises catalyst component I, catalyst component II, anactivator-support, and an organoaluminum compound, wherein this catalystcomposition is substantially free of aluminoxanes, organoboron ororganoborate compounds, ionizing ionic compounds, and/or other similarmaterials; alternatively, substantially free of aluminoxanes;alternatively, substantially free or organoboron or organoboratecompounds; or alternatively, substantially free of ionizing ioniccompounds. In these aspects, the catalyst composition has catalystactivity, discussed herein, in the absence of these additionalmaterials. For example, a catalyst composition of the present inventioncan consist essentially of catalyst component I, catalyst component II,an activator-support, and an organoaluminum compound, wherein no othermaterials are present in the catalyst composition which wouldincrease/decrease the activity of the catalyst composition by more thanabout 10% from the catalyst activity of the catalyst composition in theabsence of said materials.

Catalyst compositions of the present invention generally have a catalystactivity greater than about 100 grams of ethylene polymer (homopolymerand/or copolymer, as the context requires) per gram of activator-supportper hour (abbreviated g/g/hr). In another aspect, the catalyst activitycan be greater than about 150, greater than about 250, or greater thanabout 500 g/g/hr. In still another aspect, catalyst compositions of thisinvention can be characterized by having a catalyst activity greaterthan about 550, greater than about 650, or greater than about 750g/g/hr. Yet, in another aspect, the catalyst activity can be greaterthan about 1000 g/g/hr, greater than about 2000 g/g/hr, or greater thanabout 5000 g/g/hr, and often as high as 8000-15,000 g/g/hr. Illustrativeand non-limiting ranges for the catalyst activity include from about 500to about 10,000, from about 750 to about 7,500, or from about 1,000 toabout 5,000 g/g/hr, and the like. These activities are measured underslurry polymerization conditions, with a triisobutylaluminumco-catalyst, using isobutane as the diluent, at a polymerizationtemperature of about 80° C. and a reactor pressure of about 320 psig.Moreover, in some aspects, the activator-support can comprise sulfatedalumina, fluorided silica-alumina, or fluorided silica-coated alumina,although not limited thereto.

This invention further encompasses methods of making these catalystcompositions, such as, for example, contacting the respective catalystcomponents in any order or sequence. In one aspect, for example, thecatalyst composition can be produced by a process comprising contacting,in any order, catalyst component I, catalyst component II, and theactivator, while in another aspect, the catalyst composition can beproduced by a process comprising contacting, in any order, catalystcomponent I, catalyst component II, the activator, and the co-catalyst.

Olefin polymers (e.g., ethylene polymers) can be produced from thedisclosed catalyst systems using any suitable olefin polymerizationprocess using various types of polymerization reactors, polymerizationreactor systems, and polymerization reaction conditions. One such olefinpolymerization process can process for polymerizing olefins in thepresence of a catalyst composition of the present invention can comprisecontacting the catalyst composition with an olefin monomer andoptionally an olefin comonomer (one or more) in a polymerization reactorsystem under polymerization conditions to produce an olefin polymer,wherein the catalyst composition can comprise, as disclosed herein,catalyst component I, catalyst component II, an activator, and anoptional co-catalyst. This invention also encompasses any olefinpolymers (e.g., ethylene polymers) produced by any of the polymerizationprocesses disclosed herein.

As used herein, a “polymerization reactor” includes any polymerizationreactor capable of polymerizing (inclusive of oligomerizing) olefinmonomers and comonomers (one or more than one comonomer) to producehomopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, and the like. The various typesof polymerization reactors include those that can be referred to as abatch reactor, slurry reactor, gas-phase reactor, solution reactor, highpressure reactor, tubular reactor, autoclave reactor, and the like, orcombinations thereof; or alternatively, the polymerization reactorsystem can comprise a slurry reactor, a gas-phase reactor, a solutionreactor, or a combination thereof. The polymerization conditions for thevarious reactor types are well known to those of skill in the art. Gasphase reactors can comprise fluidized bed reactors or staged horizontalreactors. Slurry reactors can comprise vertical or horizontal loops.High pressure reactors can comprise autoclave or tubular reactors.Reactor types can include batch or continuous processes. Continuousprocesses can use intermittent or continuous product discharge.Polymerization reactor systems and processes also can include partial orfull direct recycle of unreacted monomer, unreacted comonomer, and/ordiluent.

A polymerization reactor system can comprise a single reactor ormultiple reactors (2 reactors, more than 2 reactors, etc.) of the sameor different type. For instance, the polymerization reactor system cancomprise a slurry reactor, a gas-phase reactor, a solution reactor, or acombination of two or more of these reactors. Production of polymers inmultiple reactors can include several stages in at least two separatepolymerization reactors interconnected by a transfer device making itpossible to transfer the polymers resulting from the firstpolymerization reactor into the second reactor. The desiredpolymerization conditions in one of the reactors can be different fromthe operating conditions of the other reactor(s). Alternatively,polymerization in multiple reactors can include the manual transfer ofpolymer from one reactor to subsequent reactors for continuedpolymerization. Multiple reactor systems can include any combinationincluding, but not limited to, multiple loop reactors, multiple gasphase reactors, a combination of loop and gas phase reactors, multiplehigh pressure reactors, or a combination of high pressure with loopand/or gas phase reactors. The multiple reactors can be operated inseries, in parallel, or both. Accordingly, the present inventionencompasses polymerization reactor systems comprising a single reactor,comprising two reactors, and comprising more than two reactors. Thepolymerization reactor system can comprise a slurry reactor, a gas-phasereactor, a solution reactor, in certain aspects of this invention, aswell as multi-reactor combinations thereof.

According to one aspect, the polymerization reactor system can compriseat least one loop slurry reactor comprising vertical or horizontalloops. Monomer, diluent, catalyst, and comonomer can be continuously fedto a loop reactor where polymerization occurs. Generally, continuousprocesses can comprise the continuous introduction of monomer/comonomer,a catalyst, and a diluent into a polymerization reactor and thecontinuous removal from this reactor of a suspension comprising polymerparticles and the diluent. Reactor effluent can be flashed to remove thesolid polymer from the liquids that comprise the diluent, monomer and/orcomonomer. Various technologies can be used for this separation stepincluding, but not limited to, flashing that can include any combinationof heat addition and pressure reduction, separation by cyclonic actionin either a cyclone or hydrocyclone, or separation by centrifugation.

A typical slurry polymerization process (also known as the particle formprocess) is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,248,179,4,501,885, 5,565,175, 5,575,979, 6,239,235, 6,262,191, 6,833,415, and8,822,608, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

Suitable diluents used in slurry polymerization include, but are notlimited to, the monomer being polymerized and hydrocarbons that areliquids under reaction conditions. Examples of suitable diluentsinclude, but are not limited to, hydrocarbons such as propane,cyclohexane, isobutane, n-butane, n-pentane, isopentane, neopentane, andn-hexane. Some loop polymerization reactions can occur under bulkconditions where no diluent is used.

According to yet another aspect, the polymerization reactor system cancomprise at least one gas phase reactor (e.g., a fluidized bed reactor).Such reactor systems can employ a continuous recycle stream containingone or more monomers continuously cycled through a fluidized bed in thepresence of the catalyst under polymerization conditions. A recyclestream can be withdrawn from the fluidized bed and recycled back intothe reactor. Simultaneously, polymer product can be withdrawn from thereactor and new or fresh monomer can be added to replace the polymerizedmonomer. Such gas phase reactors can comprise a process for multi-stepgas-phase polymerization of olefins, in which olefins are polymerized inthe gaseous phase in at least two independent gas-phase polymerizationzones while feeding a catalyst-containing polymer formed in a firstpolymerization zone to a second polymerization zone. Representative gasphase reactors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,352,749, 4,588,790,5,436,304, 7,531,606, and 7,598,327, each of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety herein.

According to still another aspect, the polymerization reactor system cancomprise a high pressure polymerization reactor, e.g., can comprise atubular reactor or an autoclave reactor. Tubular reactors can haveseveral zones where fresh monomer, initiators, or catalysts are added.Monomer can be entrained in an inert gaseous stream and introduced atone zone of the reactor. Initiators, catalysts, and/or catalystcomponents can be entrained in a gaseous stream and introduced atanother zone of the reactor. The gas streams can be intermixed forpolymerization. Heat and pressure can be employed appropriately toobtain optimal polymerization reaction conditions.

According to yet another aspect, the polymerization reactor system cancomprise a solution polymerization reactor wherein the monomer/comonomerare contacted with the catalyst composition by suitable stirring orother means. A carrier comprising an inert organic diluent or excessmonomer can be employed. If desired, the monomer/comonomer can bebrought in the vapor phase into contact with the catalytic reactionproduct, in the presence or absence of liquid material. Thepolymerization zone can be maintained at temperatures and pressures thatwill result in the formation of a solution of the polymer in a reactionmedium. Agitation can be employed to obtain better temperature controland to maintain uniform polymerization mixtures throughout thepolymerization zone. Adequate means are utilized for dissipating theexothermic heat of polymerization.

The polymerization reactor system can further comprise any combinationof at least one raw material feed system, at least one feed system forcatalyst or catalyst components, and/or at least one polymer recoverysystem. Suitable reactor systems can further comprise systems forfeedstock purification, catalyst storage and preparation, extrusion,reactor cooling, polymer recovery, fractionation, recycle, storage,loadout, laboratory analysis, and process control. Depending upon thedesired properties of the olefin polymer, hydrogen can be added to thepolymerization reactor as needed (e.g., continuously, pulsed, etc.).

Polymerization conditions that can be controlled for efficiency and toprovide desired polymer properties can include temperature, pressure,and the concentrations of various reactants. Polymerization temperaturecan affect catalyst productivity, polymer molecular weight, andmolecular weight distribution. Various polymerization conditions can beheld substantially constant, for example, for the production of aparticular grade of the olefin polymer (or ethylene polymer). A suitablepolymerization temperature can be any temperature below thede-polymerization temperature according to the Gibbs Free energyequation. Typically, this includes from about 60° C. to about 280° C.,for example, or from about 60° C. to about 120° C., depending upon thetype of polymerization reactor(s). In some reactor systems, thepolymerization temperature generally can be within a range from about70° C. to about 100° C., or from about 75° C. to about 95° C.

Suitable pressures will also vary according to the reactor andpolymerization type. The pressure for liquid phase polymerizations in aloop reactor is typically less than 1000 psig (6.9 MPa). Pressure forgas phase polymerization is usually at about 200 to 500 psig (1.4 MPa to3.4 MPa). High pressure polymerization in tubular or autoclave reactorsis generally run at about 20,000 to 75,000 psig (138 to 517 MPa).Polymerization reactors can also be operated in a supercritical regionoccurring at generally higher temperatures and pressures. Operationabove the critical point of a pressure/temperature diagram(supercritical phase) may offer advantages to the polymerizationreaction process.

Olefin monomers that can be employed with catalyst compositions andpolymerization processes of this invention typically can include olefincompounds having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms per molecule and having atleast one olefinic double bond, such as ethylene or propylene. In anaspect, the olefin monomer can comprise a C₂-C₂₀ olefin; alternatively,a C₂-C₂₀ alpha-olefin; alternatively, a C₂-C₁₀ olefin; alternatively, aC₂-C₁₀ alpha-olefin; alternatively, the olefin monomer can compriseethylene; or alternatively, the olefin monomer can comprise propylene(e.g., to produce a polypropylene homopolymer or a propylene-basedcopolymer).

When a copolymer (or alternatively, a terpolymer) is desired, the olefinmonomer and the olefin comonomer independently can comprise, forexample, a C₂-C₂₀ alpha-olefin. In some aspects, the olefin monomer cancomprise ethylene or propylene, which is copolymerized with at least onecomonomer (e.g., a C₂-C₂₀ alpha-olefin, a C₃-C₂₀ alpha-olefin, etc.).According to one aspect of this invention, the olefin monomer used inthe polymerization process can comprise ethylene. In this aspect, thecomonomer can comprise a C₃-C₁₀ alpha-olefin; alternatively, thecomonomer can comprise 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene,1-decene, styrene, or any combination thereof; alternatively, thecomonomer can comprise 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, or any combinationthereof; alternatively, the comonomer can comprise 1-butene;alternatively, the comonomer can comprise 1-hexene; or alternatively,the comonomer can comprise 1-octene.

EXAMPLES

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples, whichare not to be construed in any way as imposing limitations to the scopeof this invention. Various other aspects, embodiments, modifications,and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, maysuggest themselves to one of ordinary skill in the art without departingfrom the spirit of the present invention or the scope of the appendedclaims.

Melt index (MI, g/10 min) was determined in accordance with ASTM D1238at 190° C. with a 2,160 gram weight. Polymer density was determined ingrams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) on a compression molded sample,cooled at about 15° C. per hour, and conditioned for about 40 hours atroom temperature in accordance with ASTM D1505 and ASTM D4703.

Molecular weights and molecular weight distributions were obtained usinga PL-GPC 220 (Polymer Labs, an Agilent Company) system equipped with aIR4 detector (Polymer Char, Spain) and three Styragel HMW-6E GPC columns(Waters, Mass.) running at 145° C. The flow rate of the mobile phase1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) containing 0.5 g/L2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) was set at 1 mL/min, and polymersolution concentrations were in the range of 1.0-1.5 mg/mL, depending onthe molecular weight. Sample preparation was conducted at 150° C. fornominally 4 hr with occasional and gentle agitation, before thesolutions were transferred to sample vials for injection. An injectionvolume of about 200 μL was used. The integral calibration method wasused to deduce molecular weights and molecular weight distributionsusing a Chevron Phillips Chemical Company's HDPE polyethylene resin,MARLEX® BHB5003, as the broad standard. The integral table of the broadstandard was pre-determined in a separate experiment with SEC-MALS. Mnis the number-average molecular weight, Mw is the weight-averagemolecular weight, Mz is the z-average molecular weight, and Mp is thepeak molecular weight (location, in molecular weight, of the highestpoint of the molecular weight distribution curve). The IB parameter wasdetermined from the molecular weight distribution curve (plot ofdW/d(Log M) vs. Log M; normalized to an area equal to 1), and is definedas 1/[dW/d(Log M)]_(MAX).

Melt rheological characterizations were performed as follows.Small-strain (10%) oscillatory shear measurements were performed on aRheometrics Scientific, Inc. ARES rheometer using parallel-plategeometry. All rheological tests were performed at 190° C. The complexviscosity |η*| versus frequency (ω) data were then curve fitted usingthe modified three parameter Carreau-Yasuda (CY) empirical model toobtain the zero shear viscosity—η₀, characteristic viscous relaxationtime—η_(n), and the breadth parameter—a (CY-a parameter). The simplifiedCarreau-Yasuda (CY) empirical model is as follows.

${{{\eta^{*}(\omega)}} = \frac{\eta_{0}}{\left\lbrack {1 + \left( {\tau_{\eta}\omega} \right)^{a}} \right\rbrack^{{({1 - n})}/a}}},$wherein: |η*(ω)|=magnitude of complex shear viscosity;

-   -   η₀=zero shear viscosity;    -   τ_(η)=viscous relaxation time (Tau(η));    -   a=“breadth” parameter (CY-a parameter);    -   n=fixes the final power law slope, fixed at 2/11; and    -   ω=angular frequency of oscillatory shearing deformation.

Details of the significance and interpretation of the CY model andderived parameters may be found in: C. A. Hieber and H. H. Chiang,Rheol. Acta, 28, 321 (1989); C. A. Hieber and H. H. Chiang, Polym. Eng.Sci., 32, 931 (1992); and R. B. Bird, R. C. Armstrong and O. Hasseger,Dynamics of Polymeric Liquids, Volume 1, Fluid Mechanics, 2nd Edition,John Wiley & Sons (1987); each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The ATREF procedure was as follows. Forty mg of the polymer sample and20 mL of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) were sequentially charged into avessel on a PolyChar TREF 200+instrument. After dissolving the polymer,an aliquot (500 microliters) of the polymer solution was loaded on thecolumn (stainless steel shots) at 150° C. and cooled at 0.5° C./min to35° C. Then, the elution was begun with a 0.5 mL/min TCB flow rate andheating at 1° C./min up to 120° C., and analyzing with an IR detector.The peak ATREF temperature is the location, in temperature, of thehighest point of the ATREF curve.

Sulfated alumina activator-supports were prepared as follows. Bohemitewas obtained from W.R. Grace & Company under the designation “AluminaA.” This material was impregnated to incipient wetness with an aqueoussolution of ammonium sulfate to equal about 15% sulfate. This mixturewas then placed in a flat pan and allowed to dry under vacuum atapproximately 110° C. for about 16 hours. To calcine the resultantpowdered mixture, the material was fluidized in a stream of dry air atabout 550° C. for about 6 hours. Afterward, the sulfated alumina wascollected and stored under dry nitrogen, and was used without exposureto the atmosphere.

The structures for CAT 1 and CAT 2, used in Examples 1-8, are shownbelow (Me=methyl; Et=ethyl; tBu=tert-butyl):

Examples 1-3 were produced using the following polymerization procedure.The polymerization runs were conducted in a one-gallon stainless steelreactor, and isobutane (2 L) was used in all runs. Under an isobutanepurge, the organoaluminum compound (0.3 mL of 1M TIBA in heptanes), theactivator-support (sulfated alumina, SA), CAT 1, and CAT 2 were added inthat order through a charge port while slowly venting isobutane vapor.The charge port was closed and isobutane was added. The contents of thereactor were stirred and heated to the desired run temperature of about80° C., and ethylene and 1-hexene were then introduced into the reactor.Hydrogen was added from a 325 cc auxiliary vessel. Ethylene was fed ondemand to maintain the target pressure of 320 psig pressure for the 30minute length of the polymerization run. The reactor was maintained atthe desired temperature throughout the run by an automatedheating-cooling system. After venting of the reactor, purging, andcooling, the resulting polymer product was dried under reduced pressure.

Pilot plant polymerizations were conducted for Examples 4-8 in a30-gallon slurry loop reactor at a production rate of approximately 30pounds of polymer per hour. Polymerization runs were carried out undercontinuous particle form process conditions in a loop reactor (alsoreferred to as a slurry process) by contacting CAT 1, CAT 2, atriisobutylaluminum (TIBA) solution, and an activator-support (sulfatedalumina) in a 1-L stirred autoclave (30 min residence time) with outputto the loop reactor.

Ethylene used was polymerization grade ethylene which was purifiedthrough a column of AZ 300 (activated at 300-500° F. in nitrogen).1-Hexene was polymerization grade 1-hexene (obtained from ChevronPhillips Chemical Company) which was purified by nitrogen purging andstorage over AZ 300 activated at 300-500° F. in nitrogen. Liquidisobutane was used as the diluent.

Certain polymerization conditions for Examples 4-8 are provided in TableI below (mole % ethylene and ppm by weight of triisobutylaluminum (TIBA)and sulfated alumina (SA) are based on isobutane diluent). Thepolymerization conditions also included a reactor pressure of 590 psig,a polymerization temperature of 90° C., a feed rate of 37-43 lb/hrethylene, and 5-7.5 ppm total of CAT 1 and CAT 2 (based on the weight ofisobutane diluent).

TABLE I Examples 4-8 - Polymerization Conditions. Weight ratio 1-HexeneH₂ SA CAT 1/ C₂H₄ TIBA Example (lb/hr) (mlb/hr) (ppm) CAT 2 (mole %) ppm4 5.4 2.9 427 3.2 12.9 175 5 5.2 2.9 436 1.9 11.5 170 6 4.9 2.9 500 1.511.7 174 7 5.5 4.0 502 1.5 12.9 191 8 5.4 4.0 500 1.1 11.7 178

Blown film samples at a 1-mil thickness (25 microns) were made on alaboratory-scale blown film line using typical linear low densitypolyethylene conditions (LLDPE) as follows: 100 mm (4 inch) diediameter, 1.5 mm (0.060 inch) die gap, 37.5 mm (1.5 inch) diametersingle-screw extruder fitted with a barrier screw with a Maddock mixingsection at the end (L/D=24, 2.2:1 compression ratio), about 27 kg/hr (60lb/hr) output rate, 2.5:1 blow-up ratio (BUR), “in-pocket” bubble with a“frost line height” (FLH) of about 28 cm (11 inch), and 190° C. (375°F.) barrel and die set temperatures. Cooling was accomplished with aDual Lip air ring using ambient (laboratory) air at about 25° C. (75-80°F.). These particular processing conditions were chosen because the filmproperties so obtained are typically representative of those obtainedfrom larger, commercial scale film blowing conditions.

Dart impact strength was measured in accordance with ASTM D1709 (methodA). Machine (MD) and transverse (TD) direction Elmendorf tear strengthswere measured on a Testing Machines Inc. tear tester (Model 83-11-00) inaccordance with ASTM D1922. Film haze was determined in accordance withASTM D1003, film shrink properties were determined in accordance withASTM D2732 at 300° F. and 60 seconds, and seal initiation testing wasdetermined in accordance with ASTM F88.

Examples 1-14

Examples 1-8 were produced as described above. Comparative Examples 9-11and 13-14 were commercially-available LLDPE (ethylene copolymer) resinsfrom Chevron-Phillips Chemical Company LP, while Comparative Example 12was a commercially-available LLDPE (ethylene copolymer) resin from TheDow Chemical Company.

Table II summarizes certain information relating to the polymerizationexperiments of Examples 1-3 using dual catalyst systems containing atransition metal imine phenolate complex (CAT 1) and a metallocenecompound (CAT 2). The respective amounts of CAT 1, CAT 2, sulfatedalumina, hydrogen, and 1-hexene are shown in Table II, as well as theweight of the polymer produced. Table II also lists the melt index,density, zero-shear viscosity, CY-a parameter, and certain molecularweight characteristics of the polymers of Examples 1-3. FIG. 1illustrates the molecular weight distributions (amount of polymer versusthe logarithm of molecular weight) for the polymers of Examples 1-3 and9. As compared to Example 9 (produced using a single metallocenecatalyst), Examples 1-3 had a relatively similar narrow molecular weightdistribution, but with tails on both the low molecular weight and highmolecular weight ends of the molecular weight distribution curves. Thisdifference can be quantified by the IB parameter.

Table III summarizes the zero-shear viscosity, CY-a parameter, andmolecular weight characteristics of the polymers of Examples 4-12.Generally, the polymers of Examples 1-8 had Mw values in the˜107,000-140,000 g/mol range, Mz/Mw values in the ˜1.9-6.3 range, andCY-a values in the 0.20-0.43 range, while the polymer of Example 9 had aMz/Mw value of 1.68 and a CY-a value of 0.618. The polymers of Examples4-8, as shown in Table III and unexpectedly, had values of the IBparameter in the ˜0.97-1.0 range, while the polymers of Example 9 andExample 12 had IB values, respectively, of 0.89 and 1.13.

FIGS. 2-10 illustrate the ATREF profiles of the polymers of Examples4-12, respectively, and certain information from the ATREF profiles issummarized in Table IV. As shown by the figures and table, the polymersof Example 4-8 had significantly different ATREF profiles, as comparedto the polymers having the most similar polymer properties (Examples 9and 12). Surprisingly, for Examples 4-8, greater than 50 wt. % of thepolymer was eluted between 40° C. and 76° C., ˜29-35 wt. % was elutedbetween 76° C. and 86° C., and ˜12-15 wt. % was eluted above atemperature of 86° C. Moreover, the polymers of Examples 4-8 haspredominantly one ATREF peak with a peak ATREF temperature in the˜72-75° C. range, and no other significant peaks, as compared to thepolymers of Examples 9 and 12, which had large peaks at temperatures of84° C. and above.

Table V summarizes the melt index, density, and certain extrusionprocessing and film properties of Examples 4-5, 7-11, and 13-14. Thefilms of Examples 4-5 and 7-8 had dart impacts, MD tear strengths, sealinitiation temperatures, and haze values that were generally similar tothose of Examples 9 and 13-14, but the films of Examples 4-5 and 7-8also had higher TD tear strengths and MD shrink values. Moreover, thepolymers of Examples 4-5 and 7-8 processed easier than those of Examples9 and 13-14, as evidenced by the lower extrusion amps and head pressuresat equivalent output rates. Despite these processing advantages(typically associated with broader molecular weight distributions),unexpectedly, there was no reduction in clarity, as shown by the verylow haze values (3-5%) for the films of Examples 4-5 and 7-8. Thus,these polymers offer a beneficial combination of (i) properties normallyassociated with metallocene LLDPE's (good MD tear strength and dartimpact, low seal initiation temperature), (ii) but with improved MDshrink, TD tear strength, and extrusion processability, (iii) and withno sacrifice in optical properties.

FIG. 11 illustrates the drawdown ability and melt tension/strength ofthe polymers of Examples 6, 8, and 9. Notwithstanding the broadermolecular weight distributions of the polymers of Examples 6 and 8,these polymers had drawdown performance that approached that of thepolymer of Example 9, which had a narrower molecular weightdistribution. Thus, the polymers of this invention can be used in thinfilm or downgauged film applications. Additionally, the higher forceprior to break—as shown by Examples 6 and 8—can translate to improvedbubble stability in blown film applications, versus typicalmetallocene-catalyzed LLDPE copolymers.

TABLE II Examples 1-3. CAT 1 CAT 2 SA Polymer Hydrogen 1-hexene MIDensity Example (mg) (mg) (mg) (g) (ppm) (g) (g/10 min) (g/cc) 1 1.32.25 212 212 170 40 0.84 0.916 2 1.3 2.25 210 230 170 38 1.08 0.918 31.3 2.25 220 187 220 37 1.20 0.916 Mn/1000 Mw/1000 Mz/1000 Mv/1000Mp/1000 η_(o) Example (g/mol) (g/mol) (g/mol) (g/mol) (g/mol) Mw/Mn IB(Pa · s) CY-a 1 40.7 122.2 345.1 106.8 93.7 3.0 0.976 1.56E+04 0.251 239.6 107.7 243.5 96.0 84.7 2.7 0.966 1.21E+04 0.268 3 36.2 115.9 392.2100.4 81.9 3.2 0.971 1.05E+04 0.247

TABLE III Examples 4-12 - Molecular Weight Properties (molecular weightsin g/mol). Example Mn/1000 Mw/1000 Mz/1000 Mv/1000 Mp/1000 4 42.2 109.6216.5 98.9 90.5 5 43.3 117.7 286.3 104.8 90.5 6 42.1 139.8 882.5 116.391.6 7 37.7 112.6 372.3 98.4 84.9 8 38.0 119.7 523.0 103.1 86.0 9 54.3119.3 200.4 109.8 103.0 10 11.8 193.5 1231.8 144.1 84.9 11 32.3 150.2470.1 125.8 84.9 12 46.8 126.5 250.1 113.0 96.3 η_(o) Example Mw/MnMz/Mw IB IVc (Pa · s) CY-a 4 2.60 1.98 0.972 1.67 4.90E+03 0.424 5 2.722.43 0.974 1.74 7.95E+03 0.296 6 3.32 6.31 0.993 1.88 1.48E+04 0.208 72.98 3.31 0.994 1.67 5.88E+03 0.291 8 3.15 4.37 0.991 1.72 8.43E+030.247 9 2.20 1.68 0.890 1.80 4.83E+03 0.618 10 16.41 6.37 1.695 2.206.31E+05 0.176 11 4.66 3.13 1.329 1.99 — — 12 2.70 1.98 1.136 1.841.11E+04 0.418

TABLE IV Examples 4-12 - ATREF Properties. <40° C. 40-76° C. 76-86°C. >86° C. Example (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) 4 0.5 50.5 35 14 50.3 54.7 32 13 6 1 55 29 15 7 1 55 31 14 8 1 56 30 13 9 1 36 42 21 10 1225 16 47 11 19 21 11 49 12 1 49 17 33 1^(st) Peak Temp. 2^(nd) PeakTemp. 3^(rd) Peak Temp. Example (° C.) (° C.) (° C.) 4 75 5 74 6 73 7 728 73 9 76 89 10 — 11 — 12 69 84 96

TABLE V Examples 4-5, 7-11, and 13-14 - Resin and Film Properties. MIDensity Dart Tear MD Tear TD Shrink MD Shrink TD Example (g/10 min)(g/cc) (g) (g) (g) (%) (%) 4 1.8 0.915 1418 192 543 78 20 5 1.4 0.9141418 89 560 84 11 7 2.0 0.915 1418 121 485 74 10 8 1.7 0.915 1418 92 52080 5 13 1.0 0.918 1168 260 399 57 13 14 0.9 0.914 1418 158 314 67 9 91.4 0.916 1418 205 388 73 17 11 0.9 0.918 178 402 859 77 16 10 0.2 0.92586 44 1212 91 34 Haze SIT at (1.8 lb/in) Extrusion Amp Output Rate HeadPressure Example (%) (° C.) (kW) RPM (lb/hr) (psig) 4 3 114 12.1 10060.4 2650 5 5 112 12.0 103 59.5 2900 7 4 116 11.5 101 59.2 2500 8 4 11711.0 112 59.0 2900 13 7 123 15.0 95 59.0 3500 14 4 115 15.5 98 60.5 32009 4 119 14.5 84 60.2 2700 11 13 124 14.0 96 60.7 3150 10 51 129 13.2 11259.2 3400

The invention is described above with reference to numerous aspects andspecific examples. Many variations will suggest themselves to thoseskilled in the art in light of the above detailed description. All suchobvious variations are within the full intended scope of the appendedclaims. Other aspects of the invention can include, but are not limitedto, the following (aspects are described as “comprising” but,alternatively, can “consist essentially of” or “consist of”):

Aspect 1. An ethylene polymer having a Mw in a range from about 70,000to about 200,000 g/mol, a ratio of Mz/Mw in a range from about 1.8 toabout 20, and an IB parameter in a range from about 0.92 to about 1.05.

Aspect 2. An ethylene polymer having a Mw in a range from about 70,000to about 200,000 g/mol, a ratio of Mz/Mw in a range from about 1.8 toabout 20, and an ATREF profile characterized by a peak ATREF temperature(temperature of the highest peak on the ATREF curve) in a range fromabout 68 to about 78° C. (or from about 70 to about 77° C., or fromabout 72 to about 75° C.), and with no other significant peaks on theATREF curve.

Aspect 3. The polymer defined in aspect 1 or 2, wherein the ethylenepolymer has a Mw in any range disclosed herein, e.g., from about 80,000to about 180,000 g/mol, from about 80,000 to about 160,000 g/mol, fromabout 90,000 to about 150,000 g/mol, from about 107,000 to about 140,000g/mol, etc.

Aspect 4. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-3, wherein theethylene polymer has a ratio of Mz/Mw in any range disclosed herein,e.g., from about 1.8 to about 10, from about 1.9 to about 8, from about1.9 to about 7, from about 1.9 to about 6.4, from about 1.8 to about 6,from about 2 to about 10, from about 2.2 to about 7, etc.

Aspect 5. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-4, wherein theethylene polymer has an IB parameter in any range disclosed herein,e.g., from about 0.92 to about 1.05, from about 0.94 to about 1.04, fromabout 0.94 to about 1.03, from about 0.95 to about 1.05, from about 0.96to about 1.02, from about 0.96 to about 1, etc.

Aspect 6. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-5, wherein theethylene polymer has an ATREF profile characterized by from about 0.05to about 5 wt. % (or from about 0.1 to about 3 wt. %, or from about 0.3to about 1 wt. %) of the polymer eluted below a temperature of 40° C. inan ATREF test, by from about 20 to about 40 wt. % (or from about 25 toabout 38 wt. %, or from about 29 to about 35 wt. %) of the polymereluted between 76 and 86° C. in an ATREF test, by from about 7 to about20 wt. % (or from about 9 to about 18 wt. %, or from about 13 to about15 wt. %) of the polymer eluted above a temperature of 86° C. in anATREF test, and the remainder of the polymer (to reach 100 wt. %) elutedbetween 40 and 76° C. in an ATREF test.

Aspect 7. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-6, wherein theethylene polymer has a melt index (MI) in any range disclosed herein,e.g., from about 0.2 to about 10 g/10 min, from about 0.5 to about 5g/10 min, from about 0.4 to about 4 g/10 min, from about 0.5 to about2.5 g/10 min, from about 0.8 to about 2 g/10 min, etc.

Aspect 8. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-7, wherein theethylene polymer has a density in any range disclosed herein, e.g., lessthan or equal to about 0.935 g/cm³, from about 0.89 to about 0.935g/cm³, from about 0.90 to about 0.93 g/cm³, from about 0.905 to about0.925 g/cm³, from about 0.91 to about 0.925 g/cm³, from about 0.912 toabout 0.922 g/cm³, from about 0.914 to about 0.918 g/cm³, etc.

Aspect 9. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-8, wherein theethylene polymer has a Mp in any range disclosed herein, e.g., fromabout 60,000 to about 160,000 g/mol, from about 65,000 to about 150,000g/mol, from about 70,000 to about 120,000 g/mol, from about 80,000 toabout 100,000 g/mol, from about 81,000 to about 117,000 g/mol, etc.

Aspect 10. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-9, wherein theethylene polymer has a Mn in any range disclosed herein, e.g., fromabout 5,000 to about 65,000 g/mol, from about 10,000 to about 50,000g/mol, from about 20,000 to about 65,000 g/mol, from about 25,000 toabout 60,000 g/mol, from about 30,000 to about 55,000 g/mol, from about35,000 to about 45,000 g/mol, from about 36,000 to about 44,000 g/mol,etc.

Aspect 11. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-10, wherein theethylene polymer has a Mz in any range disclosed herein, e.g., fromabout 150,000 to about 1,500,000 g/mol, from about 175,000 to about1,000,000 g/mol, from about 200,000 to about 900,000 g/mol, from about210,000 to about 890,000 g/mol, from about 200,000 to about 600,000g/mol, etc.

Aspect 12. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-11, wherein theethylene polymer has a ratio of Mw/Mn in any range disclosed herein,e.g., from about 2 to about 9, from about 2 to about 4.5, from about 2.3to about 4, from about 2.3 to about 3.7, from about 2.4 to about 4, fromabout 2.4 to about 3.5, from about 2.6 to about 3.4, etc.

Aspect 13. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-12, wherein theethylene polymer has a CY-a parameter in any range disclosed herein,e.g., from about 0.05 to about 0.5, from about 0.15 to about 0.5, fromabout 0.17 to about 0.45, from about 0.2 to about 0.43, from about 0.15to about 0.35, etc.

Aspect 14. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-13, wherein theethylene polymer has a zero-shear viscosity in any range disclosedherein, e.g., from about 1000 to about 100,000 Pa-sec, from about 3000to about 50,000 Pa-sec, from about 4000 to about 25,000 Pa-sec, fromabout 4000 to about 18,000 Pa-sec, from about 4900 to about 16,000Pa-sec, etc.

Aspect 15. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-14, wherein theethylene polymer has a unimodal molecular weight distribution (singlepeak).

Aspect 16. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-15, wherein theethylene polymer is a single reactor product, e.g., not a post-reactorblend of two polymers, for instance, having different molecular weightcharacteristics.

Aspect 17. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-16, wherein theethylene polymer comprises an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer.

Aspect 18. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-17, wherein theethylene polymer comprises an ethylene/1-butene copolymer, anethylene/1-hexene copolymer, or an ethylene/1-octene copolymer.

Aspect 19. The polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-18, wherein theethylene polymer comprises an ethylene/1-hexene copolymer.

Aspect 20. An article comprising the ethylene polymer defined in any oneof aspects 1-19.

Aspect 21. An article comprising the ethylene polymer defined in any oneof aspects 1-19, wherein the article is an agricultural film, anautomobile part, a bottle, a container for chemicals, a drum, a fiber orfabric, a food packaging film or container, a food service article, afuel tank, a geomembrane, a household container, a liner, a moldedproduct, a medical device or material, an outdoor storage product,outdoor play equipment, a pipe, a sheet or tape, a toy, or a trafficbarrier.

Aspect 22. A blown film comprising the ethylene polymer defined in anyone of aspects 1-19.

Aspect 23. The film defined in aspect 22, wherein the film has a dartimpact strength in any range disclosed herein, e.g., greater than orequal to about 300 g/mil, greater than or equal to about 500 g/mil,greater than or equal to about 1000 g/mil, greater than or equal toabout 1400 g/mil, etc.

Aspect 24. The film defined in aspects 22 or 23, wherein the film has aMD Elmendorf tear strength in any range disclosed herein, e.g., fromabout 40 to about 500 g/mil, from about 45 to about 300 g/mil, fromabout 50 to about 250 g/mil, from about 70 to about 225 g/mil, fromabout 80 to about 200 g/mil, etc.

Aspect 25. The film defined in any one of aspects 22-24, wherein thefilm has a TD Elmendorf tear strength in any range disclosed herein,e.g., from about 350 to about 800 g/mil, from about 400 to about 750g/mil, from about 425 to about 675 g/mil, from about 480 to about 560g/mil, etc.

Aspect 26. The film defined in any one of aspects 22-25, wherein thefilm has a MD shrink in any range disclosed herein, e.g., from about 65to about 90%, from about 70 to about 90%, from about 70 to about 88%,from about 74 to about 84%, etc.

Aspect 27. The film defined in any one of aspects 22-26, wherein thefilm has a TD shrink in any range disclosed herein, e.g., from about 2to about 30%, from about 2 to about 25%, from about 3 to about 22%, fromabout 5 to about 20%, etc.

Aspect 28. The film defined in any one of aspects 22-27, wherein thefilm has a haze (without additives) in any range disclosed herein, e.g.,less than or equal to about 10%, less than or equal to about 8%, lessthan or equal to about 6%, from about 3 to about 5%, etc.

Aspect 29. The film defined in any one of aspects 22-28, wherein thefilm has a seal initiation temperature (to achieve a seal strength of1.8 lb/in) in any range disclosed herein, e.g., less than or equal toabout 120° C., e.g., in a range from about 108 to about 118° C., in arange from about 108 to about 118° C., in a range from about 112 toabout 117° C., etc.

Aspect 30. The film defined in any one of aspects 22-29, wherein thefilm has an average thickness in any range disclosed herein, e.g., fromabout 0.5 to about 20 mils, from about 0.5 to about 8 mils, from about0.8 to about 5 mils, from about 0.7 to about 2 mils, etc.

Aspect 31. A catalyst composition comprising catalyst component Icomprising any transition metal imine phenolate complex disclosedherein, catalyst component II comprising any bridged metallocenecompound disclosed herein, any activator disclosed herein, andoptionally, any co-catalyst disclosed herein.

Aspect 32. The composition defined in aspect 31, wherein catalystcomponent II comprises a bridged zirconium or hafnium based metallocenecompound.

Aspect 33. The composition defined in aspect 31, wherein catalystcomponent II comprises a bridged zirconium or hafnium based metallocenecompound with an alkenyl substituent.

Aspect 34. The composition defined in aspect 31, wherein catalystcomponent II comprises a bridged zirconium or hafnium based metallocenecompound with an alkenyl substituent and a fluorenyl group.

Aspect 35. The composition defined in aspect 31, wherein catalystcomponent II comprises a bridged zirconium or hafnium based metallocenecompound with a cyclopentadienyl group and a fluorenyl group, and withan alkenyl substituent on the bridging group and/or on thecyclopentadienyl group.

Aspect 36. The composition defined in aspect 31, wherein catalystcomponent II comprises a bridged metallocene compound having an alkyland/or an aryl group substituent on the bridging group.

Aspect 37. The composition defined in aspect 31, wherein catalystcomponent II comprises a bridged metallocene compound having formula(II):

wherein M is any Group IV transition metal disclosed herein; Cp is anycyclopentadienyl, indenyl, or fluorenyl group disclosed herein; each Xindependently is any monoanionic ligand disclosed herein; R^(X) andR^(Y) independently are any substituent disclosed herein; and E is anybridging group disclosed herein.

Aspect 38. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-37, whereincatalyst component I comprises a transition metal imine phenolatecomplex having formula (I):

wherein M is any Group IV transition metal disclosed herein; each X¹independently is any monoanionic ligand disclosed herein; R, R₂, and R₃independently are any substituent disclosed herein; and X⁰ is anoptional neutral ligand.

Aspect 39. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-38, whereinthe activator comprises an activator-support, an aluminoxane compound,an organoboron or organoborate compound, an ionizing ionic compound, orany combination thereof.

Aspect 40. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-39, whereinthe activator comprises an aluminoxane compound.

Aspect 41. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-39, whereinthe activator comprises an organoboron or organoborate compound.

Aspect 42. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-39, whereinthe activator comprises an ionizing ionic compound.

Aspect 43. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-39, whereinthe activator comprises an activator-support, the activator-supportcomprising any solid oxide treated with any electron-withdrawing aniondisclosed herein.

Aspect 44. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-39, whereinthe activator comprises fluorided alumina, chlorided alumina, bromidedalumina, sulfated alumina, fluorided silica-alumina, chloridedsilica-alumina, bromided silica-alumina, sulfated silica-alumina,fluorided silica-zirconia, chlorided silica-zirconia, bromidedsilica-zirconia, sulfated silica-zirconia, fluorided silica-titania,fluorided silica-coated alumina, sulfated silica-coated alumina,phosphated silica-coated alumina, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 45. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-39, whereinthe activator comprises fluorided alumina, sulfated alumina, fluoridedsilica-alumina, sulfated silica-alumina, fluorided silica-coatedalumina, sulfated silica-coated alumina, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 46. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-39, whereinthe activator comprises a fluorided solid oxide and/or a sulfated solidoxide.

Aspect 47. The composition defined in any one of aspects 43-46, whereinthe activator further comprises any metal or metal ion disclosed herein,e.g., zinc, nickel, vanadium, titanium, silver, copper, gallium, tin,tungsten, molybdenum, zirconium, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 48. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-47, whereinthe catalyst composition comprises a co-catalyst, e.g., any co-catalystdisclosed herein.

Aspect 49. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-48, whereinthe co-catalyst comprises any organoaluminum compound disclosed herein.

Aspect 50. The composition defined in aspect 49, wherein theorganoaluminum compound comprises trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum,triisobutylaluminum, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 51. The composition defined in any one of aspects 43-50, whereinthe catalyst composition comprises catalyst component I, catalystcomponent II, a solid oxide treated with an electron-withdrawing anion,and an organoaluminum compound.

Aspect 52. The composition defined in any one of aspects 43-51, whereinthe catalyst composition is substantially free of aluminoxane compounds,organoboron or organoborate compounds, ionizing ionic compounds, orcombinations thereof.

Aspect 53. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-52, whereina weight ratio of catalyst component I to catalyst component II in thecatalyst composition is in any range disclosed herein, e.g., from about10:1 to about 1:10, from about 5:1 to about 1:5, from about 2:1 to about1:2, etc.

Aspect 54. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-53, whereinthe catalyst composition is produced by a process comprising contacting,in any order, catalyst component I, catalyst component II, and theactivator.

Aspect 55. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-53, whereinthe catalyst composition is produced by a process comprising contacting,in any order, catalyst component I, catalyst component II, theactivator, and the co-catalyst.

Aspect 56. The composition defined in any one of aspects 31-55, whereina catalyst activity of the catalyst composition is in any rangedisclosed herein, e.g., from about 500 to about 10,000, from about 750to about 7,500, from about 1,000 to about 5,000 grams, etc., of ethylenepolymer per gram of activator-support per hour, under slurrypolymerization conditions, with a triisobutylaluminum co-catalyst, usingisobutane as a diluent, and with a polymerization temperature of 80° C.and a reactor pressure of 320 psig.

Aspect 57. An olefin polymerization process, the process comprisingcontacting the catalyst composition defined in any one of aspects 31-56with an olefin monomer and an optional olefin comonomer in apolymerization reactor system under polymerization conditions to producean olefin polymer.

Aspect 58. The process defined in aspect 57, wherein the olefin monomercomprises any olefin monomer disclosed herein, e.g., any C₂-C₂₀ olefin.

Aspect 59. The process defined in aspect 57 or 58, wherein the olefinmonomer and the olefin comonomer independently comprise a C₂-C₂₀alpha-olefin.

Aspect 60. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-59, wherein theolefin monomer comprises ethylene.

Aspect 61. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-60, wherein thecatalyst composition is contacted with ethylene and an olefin comonomercomprising a C₃-C₁₀ alpha-olefin.

Aspect 62. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-61, wherein thecatalyst composition is contacted with ethylene and an olefin comonomercomprising 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, or a mixture thereof.

Aspect 63. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-59, wherein theolefin monomer comprises propylene.

Aspect 64. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-63, wherein thepolymerization reactor system comprises a batch reactor, a slurryreactor, a gas-phase reactor, a solution reactor, a high pressurereactor, a tubular reactor, an autoclave reactor, or a combinationthereof.

Aspect 65. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-64, wherein thepolymerization reactor system comprises a slurry reactor, a gas-phasereactor, a solution reactor, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 66. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-65, wherein thepolymerization reactor system comprises a loop slurry reactor.

Aspect 67. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-66, wherein thepolymerization reactor system comprises a single reactor.

Aspect 68. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-66, wherein thepolymerization reactor system comprises 2 reactors.

Aspect 69. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-66, wherein thepolymerization reactor system comprises more than 2 reactors.

Aspect 70. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-69, wherein theolefin polymer comprises any olefin polymer disclosed herein.

Aspect 71. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-62 and 64-70,wherein the olefin polymer comprises an ethylene homopolymer, anethylene/1-butene copolymer, an ethylene/1-hexene copolymer, or anethylene/1-octene copolymer.

Aspect 72. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-62 and 64-70,wherein the olefin polymer comprises an ethylene/1-hexene copolymer.

Aspect 73. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-59 and 63-70,wherein the olefin polymer comprises a polypropylene homopolymer or apropylene-based copolymer.

Aspect 74. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-73, wherein thepolymerization conditions comprise a polymerization reaction temperaturein a range from about 60° C. to about 120° C. and a reaction pressure ina range from about 200 to about 1000 psig (about 1.4 to about 6.9 MPa).

Aspect 75. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-74, wherein thepolymerization conditions are substantially constant, e.g., for aparticular polymer grade.

Aspect 76. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-75, wherein nohydrogen is added to the polymerization reactor system.

Aspect 77. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-75, whereinhydrogen is added to the polymerization reactor system.

Aspect 78. The process defined in any one of aspects 57-77, wherein theolefin polymer produced is defined in any one of aspects 1-19.

Aspect 79. An olefin polymer produced by the olefin polymerizationprocess defined in any one of aspects 57-77.

Aspect 80. An ethylene polymer defined in any one of aspects 1-19produced by the process defined in any one of aspects 57-77.

Aspect 81. An article (e.g., a blown film) comprising the polymerdefined in any one of aspects 79-80.

Aspect 82. A method or forming or preparing an article of manufacturecomprising an olefin polymer, the method comprising (i) performing theolefin polymerization process defined in any one of aspects 57-77 toproduce an olefin polymer (e.g., the ethylene polymer of any one ofaspects 1-19), and (ii) forming the article of manufacture comprisingthe olefin polymer, e.g., via any technique disclosed herein.

Aspect 83. The article defined in any one of aspects 81-82, wherein thearticle is an agricultural film, an automobile part, a bottle, acontainer for chemicals, a drum, a fiber or fabric, a food packagingfilm or container, a food service article, a fuel tank, a geomembrane, ahousehold container, a liner, a molded product, a medical device ormaterial, an outdoor storage product, outdoor play equipment, a pipe, asheet or tape, a toy, or a traffic barrier.

We claim:
 1. An ethylene polymer having: a Mw in a range from about70,000 to about 200,000 g/mol; a ratio of Mz/Mw in a range from about1.8 to about 20; an IB parameter in a range from about 0.92 to about1.05; and a CY-a parameter in a range from about 0.2 to about 0.3.
 2. Anarticle of manufacture comprising the ethylene polymer of claim
 1. 3.The polymer of claim 1, wherein: the Mw is in a range from about 80,000to about 160,000 g/mol; the ratio of Mz/Mw is in a range from about 1.9to about 8; and the IB parameter is in a range from about 0.94 to about1.03.
 4. The polymer of claim 3, wherein the ethylene polymer has: amelt index in a range from about 0.5 to about 5 g/10 min; and a densityin a range from about 0.90 to about 0.93 g/cm³.
 5. The polymer of claim4, wherein: the ethylene polymer has a unimodal molecular weightdistribution; and the ethylene polymer comprises an ethylene/1-butenecopolymer, an ethylene/1-hexene copolymer, an ethylene/1-octenecopolymer, or a combination thereof.
 6. An article of manufacturecomprising the ethylene polymer of claim
 5. 7. The polymer of claim 1,wherein the ethylene polymer has: a melt index in a range from about 0.5to about 2.5 g/10 min; and a density in a range from about 0.905 toabout 0.925 g/cm³.
 8. The polymer of claim 7, wherein: the ethylenepolymer has a ratio of Mw/Mn in a range from about 2.4 to about 4; andthe ratio of Mz/Mw is in a range from about 2.2 to about
 7. 9. Thepolymer of claim 1, wherein the ethylene polymer has: a Mp in a rangefrom about 70,000 to about 120,000 g/mol; and a Mn in a range from about25,000 to about 60,000 g/mol.
 10. The polymer of claim 9, wherein theethylene polymer has: a zero-shear viscosity in a range from about 3000to about 50,000 Pa-sec; and a density in a range from about 0.91 toabout 0.925 g/cm³.
 11. An article of manufacture comprising the ethylenepolymer of claim
 10. 12. The article of claim 11, wherein the ethylenepolymer has a unimodal molecular weight distribution.
 13. A blown filmcomprising the polymer of claim 1, wherein the film has an averagethickness in a range from about 0.5 to about 8 mils.
 14. A blown filmcomprising an ethylene polymer having: a Mw in a range from about 70,000to about 200,000 g/mol; a ratio of Mz/Mw in a range from about 1.8 toabout 20; and an IB parameter in a range from about 0.92 to about 1.05;wherein the film has a haze of less than or equal to about 6%.
 15. Theblown film of claim 14, wherein the ethylene polymer has: a melt indexin a range from about 0.5 to about 5 g/10 min; a density in a range fromabout 0.90 to about 0.93 g/cm³; and a ratio of Mw/Mn in a range fromabout 2.4 to about
 4. 16. The blown film of claim 15, wherein theethylene polymer comprises an ethylene/1-butene copolymer, anethylene/1-hexene copolymer, an ethylene/1-octene copolymer, or acombination thereof.
 17. The blown film of claim 14, wherein the filmhas: an average thickness in a range from about 0.7 to about 2 mils; adart impact strength of greater than or equal to about 300 g/mil; a MDElmendorf tear strength in a range from about 40 to about 500 g/mil; anda TD Elmendorf tear strength in a range from about 350 to about 800g/mil.
 18. The blown film of claim 17, wherein the film has a MD shrinkin a range from about 65 to about 90%, and a TD shrink in a range fromabout 2 to about 30%; and the ethylene polymer comprises anethylene/1-butene copolymer, an ethylene/1-hexene copolymer, anethylene/1-octene copolymer, or a combination thereof.
 19. An ethylenepolymer having: a Mw in a range from about 70,000 to about 200,000g/mol; a ratio of Mz/Mw in a range from about 1.8 to about 20; an IBparameter in a range from about 0.92 to about 1.05; and a density in arange from about 0.90 to about 0.93 g/cm³.
 20. The polymer of claim 19,wherein: the ethylene polymer has a ratio of Mw/Mn in a range from about2.3 to about 6, and the ratio of Mz/Mw is in a range from about 2 toabout 8; and the ethylene polymer comprises an ethylene/1-butenecopolymer, an ethylene/1-hexene copolymer, an ethylene/1-octenecopolymer, or a combination thereof.
 21. The polymer of claim 20,wherein the density is in a range from about 0.91 to about 0.925 g/cm³.